A group of leaders in vocational education answer questions about the future of vocational education, tech prep, applied academics, and school-to-work. (JOW)

Academic self-efficacy and grades at ages 12-15 in relation to unemployment and job satisfaction at 21 were calculated from Germany archival data (n=391). The relationship between high self-efficacy and unemployment was mediated by higher career-related motivation. The relationship between self-efficacy and job satisfaction was mediated by higher…

Presents a case study of four, first-generation, working-class White male freshmen who discuss their perceptions of the purpose of college. Perceptions are analyzed using Chickering's sixth vector, Developing Purpose. Data indicate the students consider college to be primarily a place that prepares them for work, supporting Chickering and…

Examines the paradox of strong individual demand and strong institutional support for the General Educational Development (GED) credential despite educational and economic returns markedly lower than those of traditional high school graduates, suggesting that the GED program is a low-cost way to integrate thousands of off-track individuals back…

A study investigated relationships between transition program characteristics and positive post-school outcomes by examining the transition services database compiled over seven years from all 67 Florida school districts and the Florida Educational and Training Placement Information Program. No positive relationship emerged between transition…

Focuses upon one aspect of legal preparation where effective communication skills are crucial, trial advocacy. Queries 30 practicing attorneys about the role of communication in the everyday conduct of trial procedures. Finds strong support for the study of communication as preparation for a legal career. (PA)

Presents results of a survey of 164 newspaper editors regarding which skills they believe are crucial for entry-level copy editors to know, and in which areas they see the most deficiencies. Notes that the skills identified reflect the changing duties of the copy editor and the increasing complexities of the job. (SR)

Examines how benchmarking, a continuous quality improvement process, can be used to define and improve the quality of school-to-work curricula. Provides a set of standards developed by the National Consortium of Product Quality that can be used to guide curriculum review. Describes a six-step benchmarking process. (AJL)

Argues that 1994's School-to-Work Opportunities Act (STWOA) presents challenges for colleges regarding liability. Reviews legal issues related to standards for employing minors; verifying worker age; working with federal, state, and local laws; obtaining waivers of federal regulations; and protecting participants. Addresses additional challenges…

Discusses the advantages of having an advisory council to provide advice; to draw from the business, industrial, and professional communities; to provide a cohesiveness among programs within an institution; and to provide a link between education and the real world. (JOW)

Describes the Wisconsin Technical College System's special needs staff leadership in supporting transition to technical colleges, increasing funding that colleges receive from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and supporting professional development activities for college special needs staff. (SK)

Reviews 20 years of programs and services for special populations and the challenges presented by the workplace of the future. Identifies components of programs to prepare special needs students for future work. (SK)

Anchored in Bandura's social cognition theory, this framework focuses on the interplay among self-efficacy, expectations, and goals in enabling individuals to act on their career development. The interaction of sociocognitive variables with personal/environmental characteristics and school-to-work transition is described. (SK)

An analysis of the 1984, 1987, and 1990 Survey of Income and Program Participation shows that the benefits of sub-baccalaureate credentials (associate degrees and certificates) are generally positive and statistically significant. However, the benefits of completing some postsecondary education but failing to earn credentials are much lower,…

Since 1998 Ohio teachers have developed their own individual professional development plans (IPDPs), subject to peer review. Examination of 133 teachers' IPDPs indicates that most teachers selected traditional coursework, workshops, and conferences to earn PD credits. As the only activity linked to salary increases, college coursework was chosen…