Study was conducted to resolve contradiction between dropout estimates presented in federal reports and research results cited through reanalysis of High School and Beyond survey. Results suggest (1) dropout rate for students in general education is greater than for vocational students and (2) vocational education is serving students with…

The Work Keys Reading for Information test was completed by 418 high school students in either applied or traditional English, math, and technology courses. Traditional students scored higher, but results might be influenced by use of intact groups, correlation between class mean achievement and class type, or self-selection bias. (SK)

Responses from 639 Illinois high schools and vocational centers (96%) indicated that 55% used integration strategies for vocational and academic education; 80% conducted integration-related staff development. However, only 32% give academic credit for vocational courses and most of the strategies used were low level. (SK)

The authors report on a study of 120 secondary schools and 893 related classrooms that compared instructional approaches used in vocational and nonvocational classes. Results suggest that vocational classes offer alternative approaches to instruction that differ from those employed in academic settings. (Author/CH)

Analysis of National Postsecondary Student Aid Study data shows that one-third of all postsecondary students are in vocational programs; vocational enrollments declined at public community colleges 1986-1989, but were stable overall due to increases at four-year and proprietary schools. The study showed the usefulness of cross-sectional data for…

Survey responses from 47 of 49 Illinois community colleges and interviews with 20 staff show that the predominant approach to academic-vocational integration is applied academics. Less evident are multidisciplinary courses, linked or cluster courses, and learning communities. Many barriers result from the long-standing separation of vocational and…

Analysis of National Education Longitudinal Survey data indicates that a balance between career-technical and academic course taking influences test scores and dropout. A ratio of approximately three career-technical credits to four academic credits was associated with the lowest likelihood of dropping out. (Contains 26 references.) (SK)

Multiple observations of 27 high school classrooms (academic, vocational, special education academic, or integrated academic/vocational) were used to validate an instrument measuring features of integrated curricula. Integrated curricula or vocational classes could be differentiated from academic or special education using the instrument. (SK)

Survey responses of 91 general education and 155 occupational faculty and 107 administrators in technical colleges indicated agreement that communication and critical thinking are most important learner outcomes and uncertainty about the meaning of academic-vocational integration. Administrators rated benefits of integration higher than the…

The Stages of Concern Questionnaire was completed by 677 of 1,207 teachers at High Schools that Work sites. Those with no experience or first-year experience of reform implementation had high personal concerns that needed to be addressed. About half had high levels of adoption proneness indicating their potential to be reform leaders. (SK)

A literature review suggests that occupational high schools and career academies can raise academic achievement, reduce dropout, and instill career aspirations. Integration is complicated by a web of policies and practices and negative images of vocational education. More attention should be paid to postsecondary integration. (JOW)

A survey of principals, counselors, and academic and vocational teachers was conducted in 69 Kentucky secondary schools before and in 67 schools after school-based decision making (SBDM) was implemented. SBDM's effect on academic/vocational integration and vocational funding was minimal. Except for counselors, the percentage perceiving SBDM as…

Responses from 297 academic and 91 vocational educators in secondary and postsecondary schools showed that academic educators perceived more curriculum integration at their institutions than did vocational educators; postsecondary teachers perceived more integration than did secondary teachers. Administrative practices to support integration…

A study of the relationship of high school academic and vocational education courses to success in college for 224 freshmen found that courses taken in high school are not significantly related to college grade point average or college graduation. (JOW)

Analysis of cooperative education policy documents from nine Ontario school districts indicated that statements about evaluation, remediation, equity, and teacher qualifications were inconsistent. Although the Ministry of Education and Training prescribes co-op for delivery of academic subjects. districts focus exclusively on career preparation…