A Virginia study confirmed the value of school-supervised on-the-job training experiences and identified critical quality control factors: related classroom instruction, individualized training plans, criteria for site and supervisor selection, written training agreements, frequent formal and informal evaluation, use of advisory groups, parental…

Youth apprenticeship initiatives offer relevant, work-based learning to non-college-bound youth, preparing them for high-skill jobs and building generic employability skills. (SK)

Discusses the promises and pitfalls of comparing teachers' work with work performed in other occupations. Comparison reveals teaching to be a complex form of work that requires high levels of formal knowledge for successful performance. Educational reforms can professionalize teaching as they make the work more complex. (SLD)

Analysis of national survey data found that, among young adult couples separating or divorcing during the 1980s, women's postdisruption economic welfare was significantly lower than men's within all racial-ethnic groups. This disparity stemmed, directly and indirectly, from women's roles as primary child caretakers and was not related to gender…

Three theories of commitment were tested by surveying 92 nursing students 3 times during their first year. The social exchange approach and unmet expectations about nursing careers influenced commitment during the latter eight months. The circumstances surrounding the decision to enter nurse training (behavioral approach) predicted commitment only…

Survey responses of 48 African-American and 21 white entrepreneurs with overall mean gross sales of approximately $24 million, reveal many apparent similarities in the personal backgrounds of the entrepreneurs but several differences in entrepreneurial experience. Policy implications from this exploratory study are discussed. (SLD)

Investigated possible causes for the high turnover rate among family day-care (FDC) providers by examining the effects of perceived social support, job satisfaction, and the establishment of boundaries between the FDC provider's nuclear family and her FDC system. Stable providers were more likely than nonstable providers to report high job…

This paper presents a detailed analysis of the language and provisions of field work training agreements currently used by social work education programs. Problem areas, including a lack of understanding and the waiver of rights and responsibilities without adequate consent, are identified. Recommendations for developing appropriate agreements are…

This paper presents a framework for a health specialization curriculum in schools of social work. This framework is based on the roles (facilitator, educator, and counselor/therapist) associated with three domains of practice in hospitals (direct service to a client/family; organizational and community services on behalf of client; and encouraging…

A five-year study compared high school students participating in school-based work experience programs (SBWEP) to those employed outside in nonschool-supervised work experience (NWE). SBWEP students saw the relationship between jobs and academic skills and felt work was more meaningful. NWE students took fewer classes and reduced activities to…

Describes a partnership between Fireman's Fund Insurance Company (FFIC) and California State University-Chico, the core of which is an on-campus internship program that allows the university to defer expenses, allows FFIC to gain an on-campus presence, and lets students obtain real world experience. Discusses self-directed and lifelong learning…

A culturally relevant career development needs assessment survey was administered to 227 international college students. Factor analysis indicates that the participants' vocational needs centered on obtaining work experience, overcoming interview barriers, and developing job search skills. Overall, the vocational needs of international students…

Analyzed early economic achievement of Soviet immigrants entering the United States from 1979-85, identifying components of human capital acquired in the former Soviet Union (FSU) and relating them to U.S. labor force participation and income outcomes. FSU education, experience, and industry variables differentially affected participation and…

Research on women's career adjustment typically investigates satisfaction in relation to work experiences, managing multiple roles, and occupational transitions. Researchers need to use multidimensional assessments of satisfaction and more qualitative approaches. (SK)

For principals, a teaching or educational leadership background is crucial for performing their instructional leadership and democratic governance responsibilities. Schools' experience with alternatively certified teachers (likely to be less effective, committed, or permanent than traditionally trained teachers) should raise cautionary flags about…