Focuses on state legislative mandates that have spurred the creation of alternative programs. Provides a simple outline of the different types of alternative schools, best practices in key areas, the rise of charter schools and magnet schools, and a summary of recommendations for creating the most effective alternative schools possible. (RJM)

Research evidence now lends legitimacy to the importance of the principal's instructional leadership in promoting school effectiveness. (Author/JM)

Discusses the change in kindergarten from an emergency or welfare institution to an integral part of family life and early education. Argues that, although the nature of kindergarten has changed, the training of kindergarten teachers has not. Suggests that future kindergarten teachers be trained in teaching theory rather than just personality…

A survey of manufacturers was conducted by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and the National Center for Research in Vocational Education to elicit the views of NAM members about vocational education--the effectiveness of vocational education, the collaborative activities between manufacturers and vocational education, and…

It is widely acknowledged that there are important ties among pupils, parents and schools affecting children's educational outcome. Using NELS: 88, a nationally representative sample of eighth graders in the United States, this study explores the role of schools in their academic performance. The study suggests that, with other things equal,…

A survey of state legislators was conducted in 1981 by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) and the National Center for Research in Vocational Education to determine state legislators' views about vocational education and its outcomes; their views of what vocational education should be doing and how it could be improved; and their…

A literature review was conducted to examine high school vocational education and its outcomes in Canada. The literature indicated that the initial advantages of a vocational program, including lower unemployment, greater likelihood of obtaining a job related to field of training, and higher salaries than generally available to graduates of…

This monograph offers a series of questions which are intended to serve as a framework for investigating the status of arts education programs within elementary and secondary schools. It is intended as an aid to parents, educators, and other interested citizens as they evaluate and/or seek to improve arts education programs. The questions are…

A study examined the literacy needs and activities of prison inmates in Australia. To gather data for the study, the researchers interviewed and administered questionnaires to 62 inmates from five Australian prisons. This report consists primarily of the comments and views of the individual prisoners who were clients, potential clients, and…

Like most cooperative education programs, the one at Nashville State Technical Institute in Tennessee benefits all concerned--the student, the college, business and industry, and the community. Among the many benefits of the cooperative education program are the following: clarification of student career goals, provision of relevant professional…

Although many Canadians feel that responsibility for occupational training rests within the educational system, this is not the case. Recent analysis indicates that almost 70 percent of job-related courses are given on-site as compared to 30 percent at educational institutions. Because the private sector in Canada makes very substantial…

Macomb Community College (MCC) prides itself on its responsiveness to the needs of area industry for skilled tradespeople to engage in the design, tooling, and machining activities that are crucial to the area's long-standing automobile and manufacturing operations and to the needs of new area high technology and service-oriented industries. The…

California's framework for second language education describes the state's requirements for development of effective foreign language instruction in the public schools. Chapters address these topics: (1) the economic, civic, and cultural benefits of a foreign language program; (2) characteristics of an effective program, including…

A party of vocational educators from the United Kingdom (UK) traveled to the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) to observe the nature and scope of vocational counseling and guidance in that country. During their study, the observers focused their attention on the problems of the transition from school to working life; arbeitslehre, or education…

This yearbook contains 24 reports concerning the following seven challenges currently facing vocational education: new needs for job training, reexamining value bases, a growing network of vocational educators, reflecting on past effectiveness, the continuing challenge to meet individual and special needs, strengthening curricula and instruction,…