Mondale discusses the current state and future trends of youth employment, focusing on the recommendations of the Task Force on Youth Employment. Included in the discussion are minority unemployment rates, private industry cooperation, and the increasing importance of education in two areas--basic skills and career preparation. (SK)

Of four models for school-to-work transition (direct, deregulated, regulated overlapping, and shifted), Germany's dual vocational training system is a regulated overlapping system that offers learners a smooth bridge from the role of pupil to that of qualified skilled worker. (SK)

Assessment of a problem-based bachelor of nursing program showed that transition to work was more successful when these strategies were used: holistic care, time management, prioritization of care, teamwork, and sophisticated clinical reasoning. (SK)

Successful transition programs for students with learning disabilities have some common elements: job-related academic instruction, interpersonal skills development, vocational education, and follow-along counseling after formal schooling ends. (SK)

Outlines six steps for culturally sensitive transition plans: (1) awareness of cultural issues; (2) identification of educators' personal values; (3) perceptions of family values about cultural diversity and adulthood; (4) congruence/incongruence of educators' and family values; (5) verification of family expectations and desires; and (6) planning…

As linear, one-company career patterns have declined, strategic learning resulting in a flexible portfolio of knowledge and skills becomes important. However, lifelong learning is increasingly viewed as mandatory, although social pressures on some learners, such as women, make educational participation difficult. (SK)

In distinguishing it from occupational competence, this article defines competence in higher education as a cluster of qualities, characteristics, and abilities that may or may not have clear vocational applications. Suggests that a competence model based on industry's clearly defined roles and performances would be inappropriate for higher…

This article provides a brief introduction to transition assessment for students with disabilities and then lists 43 references (published from 1988 through 1996) pertaining to transition assessment or vocational assessment. (CR)

Individualized Education Program teams should be aware of the cultural and linguistic diversity of families of youth with disabilities. They should be alert to school-imposed barriers on parent participation and advocacy, parents' perceptions of their children, communication style differences, and stereotypes about socioeconomic status that could…

Current trends influencing cooperative education include the Workforce Development Act, the school-to-work career paths approach, use of multiple intelligences research in the classroom, and action research to improve program development. (SK)

Counters misconceptions with facts about school-to-work (STW): students have unrealistic career goals; most are not prepared for college academics; college is increasingly paid for by loans; only one in three college graduates finds a relevant job; technical employment is the fastest growing sector; STW does not preclude college; and technician…

Deborah Meier, renowned educator in the forefront of education reform, discusses her vision for education and describes the Central Park East Elementary and Secondary Schools in New York, which she founded. She discusses work-based learning, career exploration, liberal arts, vocational education, and curriculum integration among other topics. (JOW)

Provides a concise overview of the key components of sound partnerships developed at North Iowa Area Community College. Offers a conceptual foundation for practitioners, as well as a narrative of the college's successful experiences that illustrates the transformational benefits of partnerships. (AUTH/CB)

The example of a school-to-career program in Louisiana illustrates steps for achieving the sustainability of such initiatives: (1) develop high-quality programs keyed to national standards; (2) generate enthusiasm and consensus building; (3) garner business, education, and government support; (4) let intermediaries make the case; and (5) use media…

The South and West Washtenaw Consortium is a group of Michigan schools that collaborates in technical areas and operates graphic arts programs in cooperation with local printing businesses. It offers students hands-on experience and exposure to current technologies. (JOW)