This briefing paper provides 3-year trend data on Arizona school counselors' use of time. They hypothesis is that if career guidance were to be emphasized in the schools in accordance with the School-To-Work Act, a shift in counselors' roles could be expected to reflect more time spend on career guidance. An overview of the survey is provided…

This briefing paper discusses school counselors' roles and responsibilities; that is, how they currently spend their time. A comprehensive statewide system of school-to-work (STW) opportunities for students is being established in Arizona. One component of the evaluation involves a study of counselors and their attitudes toward STW as a concept…

Public policy implications for Arizona of the School-to-Work Opportunities Act are explored, specifically with regard to rural areas. It is argued that should additional resources become available to the state, population-based allocations to rural areas are likely to be insufficient for meaningful educational and economic-development reform. (SLD)

In spring 1996, a statewide public poll was conducted to establish baseline measures of public attitudes toward school to work (STW) prior to its widespread implementation in Arizona schools. A total of 2,788 Arizonans participated in this initial STW poll representing 750 parents, 750 businesses, and 1.288 educators (557 teachers, 549 principals,…

Arizona seventh-grade students were polled in 1997, 1998, and 1999, to determine the extent of their participation in career awareness and exploration activities, the impact that the activities have had, and how they were delivered. Survey results provided evidence of systemic change in the regional school-to-work (STW) partnerships. Further, data…

Two major assumptions underlying the school-to-work transition movement are that public high schools have failed to provide adequate preparation for the school-to-work transition and that work experiences exist into which states can "plug" young workers for pay. These assumptions were analyzed from the standpoint of their applicability…

A study explored the issue of fiscal agency and its relationship to planning and implementing school-to-work (STW) systems to inform stakeholders in Arizona's emerging STW system about other states' experiences. A review of the STW Internet Gateway yielded a subset of states based on factors such as their history in implementing STW and…

This report provides a formative analysis of youth demographics and employment and training issues in the state of Arizona. The report clarifies issues of workforce supply and demand--as they pertain specifically to Arizona's youth--and explores the match between work force demand and training programs. It is based on information gathered and…

Twenty of 26 active members of the Governor's School to Work (STW) Advisory Council shared their views of and expectations for Arizona's STW initiative. The STW transition occurred in one of three ways: instructors in vocational programs had linkages with employers; a program, school, or district had a placement person to facilitate students' STW…

Tenth-grade students in Arizona school to work (STW) regional partnerships were polled in 1997, 1998, and 1999, to determine whether systemic change was occurring across the state. Study results were mixed. Three activities increased significantly over the baseline year: class projects, computer use, and volunteerism. The use of career inventories…

A survey ascertained whether Arizona seventh-grade students perceived themselves to have participated in and benefited from career awareness, exploration, and counseling activities. In total, 2,349 seventh-grade students participated in the survey administered in spring 1997 after one full year of school-to-work (STW) regional funding. Students…

A baseline study of Arizona public school counselors ascertained the amount of time they spent individually with students and the nature of the counseling provided; it also measured their opinions and attitudes toward school-to-work (STW). Surveys were mailed to every Arizona high school and junior high/middle school, a random sample of elementary…

A survey assessed the extent to which Arizona 10th-grade students selected career majors, planned a course of study for high school and beyond, and received adult guidance related to careers through the school. In total, 2,131 tenth grade students participated in the survey administered in spring 1997 after one full year of school-to-work (STW)…

Arizona businesses are facing a dearth of skilled workers. The work force deficit is about quantity and about quality. It is both an immediate problem and a long-term problem. It is a threat to business competitiveness and Arizona's competitive advantage, and it challenges both industry and government to find solutions. Currently the State of…

The fourth, and final, annual statewide public opinion polling is part of a multifaceted evaluation of Arizona's school to work (STW) initiative. Baseline data were established in spring 1996; comparative data have been collected annually since then. The polling assesses public attitudes toward STW, and determines their level of support or…