Discusses the rationale for applying management information systems (MIS's) to contract education programs, depicts an ideal MIS, and describes the MIS currently utilized in California. Suggests that computer-based MISs, such as California's Contract Education Data Inventory System, serve as invaluable aids in organizing and interpreting program…

Discusses trends in workplace literacy and describes environmental literacy, indicating that it includes such areas as reading, writing, mathematics, learning ability, problem solving, self-esteem, teamwork, and organizational effectiveness. Provides a methodology for conducting environmental literacy audits, selecting proper delivery methods,…

Evaluation of the role of structured on-site training (SOST) in the Employment Training Panel's (ETP's) training program involved 10 case studies of active ETP projects with SOST, survey of 50 recently closed projects with SOST, face-to-face interviews and focus groups with key stakeholders, Delphi survey of consultants, and quantitative analysis…

This report presents a summary of findings from the Emerging Pathways project, which seeks to identify the diverse needs and characteristics of adult learners, understand patterns of enrollment in credit and non-credit-bearing courses and offer advice to postsecondary institutions and policymakers committed to adult learners' success. Among its…

Intended as a forum for the discussion of customized workforce training at community colleges, this book addresses the practical considerations, programs, and strategies that come into play when colleges engage in customized contract training for fully-employed learners. The 10 chapters are as follows: (1) "Training for Customized Training:…

Customized Contract Training (CCT), which involves contracting to design short term, non-credit courses and workshops to meet the training needs of specific employers, is the new buzz-word at community colleges. Though many assume this type of school-business partnership benefits everyone, the potential negative effects on community colleges as…

Provides a conceptual framework for categorizing variables and elements used in evaluating customized training programs and for the maintenance of records demonstrating the accountability of the programs. Suggests a model based on variables associated with the educational context, processes used to fill client needs, and outcomes of the program.…

Reports on a study conducted by the Two-Year College Development Center to evaluate contract courses delivered by New York community colleges. Discusses findings related to the effectiveness of contract courses, implications of training opportunities, perceived value of training, and employer recommendations. (DMM)

In 1995, Merritt College, in Oakland, California, conducted telephone interviews with 23 hazardous waste generating businesses and 30 environmental professionals in the San Francisco Bay Area to determine interest in receiving training from the college related to waste management and areas of training needed. An analysis of responses revealed the…

Training systems are facing three basic considerations: (1) adjustment to demographic trends such as the population explosion in developing countries, the aging of the work force in developed countries, and the increased participation of women in economic activities; (2) changing patterns of demand, such as lower rates of growth, restructuring of…

The Women's Employment Network (WEN) is a college-based program funded by the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) that provides job search and placement assistance to an average of 130 low-income women each year. Program components include an intensive job-search class, which assists participants in assessing their work skills, values, and…

In fiscal year (FY) 1988, a total of 18,869 individuals took only noncredit classes at Prince George's Community College (PGCC), compared to 17,599 who enrolled exclusively in credit classes. A study was conducted to assess student outcomes in continuing education, using data from state reporting systems, interviews with apprenticeship and…

The Salem-Steelville-Potosi Consortium, located in rural, southeastern Missouri, began its involvement with Contract Vocational Education (CVE) in 1979 and after 15 semesters, 234 contracts had been negotiated with 193 students and over 100 businesses. A prior dropout study had shown the schools that most of their dropouts had limited career…

In 1989-90, a national survey was conducted to assess the scope and nature of contract training and other economic development activities at community colleges and technical institutes. The survey was sent to a random sample of 246 community colleges, requesting information on the colleges' workforce and economic development activities in 1988-89.…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize the relationship between business and education and thereby offer a research agenda for examining the influence of business on education. Educational research has given relatively limited attention to the impact of business on education. Design/methodology/approach: This paper describes a…