This dissertation consists of three empirical studies that explore the educational experiences and trajectories of English learners (ELs) and students with disabilities. The first study uses longitudinal data from four large California school districts to examine the characteristics of long-term ELs (LTELs) and former ELs--those reclassified as…

The effects of Australia's increased postsecondary education attendance and some educational policy changes on the labor market are examined. Whether postsecondary education should be expected to provide vocational skills and delay labor market participation, or secondary school vocational preparation should be improved, is discussed. (MSE)

There is a strong and growing argument for higher educational attainment in the United States. The jobs that are expected to support the economy in the coming years will depend on a skilled workforce that is able to learn and adapt quickly to new challenges. However, demographic patterns demonstrate that relying on the traditional K-16 pipeline to…