An Appalachian Regional Commission-sponsored conference on entrepreneurship stressed that the availability of investment capital is important to economic development in Appalachia and other rural areas, but it is not enough. A local social and business culture that embraces entrepreneurship and risk-taking must be developed through…

Reestimates the P-test in the United Kingdom, correcting for the possible endogeneity of employment sector. Results do not support the strong screening hypothesis. After accounting for selectivity bias regarding choice of employment sector, the rate of return for the private sector is still higher than for the public sector. In 1985, an extra year…

Describes four Australian initiatives that incorporate nontraditional approaches to education: (1) multiple and flexible pathways; (2) virtual schools; (3) workplace-based learning convergence; and (4) community of knowledge builders. Asserts that the particulars of these four initiatives can offer important points to the discussion about broader…

European projects combining secondary vocational and general education with a dual orientation toward employment and postsecondary education were analyzed. Results showed that credentials with dual orientation facilitate mobility in the education system and labor market. Good practices need to be exchanged and transferred across national systems.…

Interviews with 14 Australian students and 6 graduates of a vocational college showed that, although 5 of the graduates felt their learning transferred to the workplace, there was a distinction between school-based and workplace learning. Transfer was enhanced when they were given meaningful tasks and encouraged to use learning at work. (SK)

Analyzes three public policy vehicles aimed at integrating secondary education and community colleges: tech prep, school-to-work, and Goals 2000. Considers overlap, potential barriers, and the college role. Suggests that the three could be instrumental in creating a coherent work force development system if certain conditions are met. (SK)

Analyzes computer-based simulations of workplaces to determine potential problems that might impede their use in school-to-work programs. Simulations were classified according to type and critiqued regarding common usage problems. Concludes that simulations can play an important role in school-to-work transition programs, even if not specifically…

Case studies of seven school-to-work programs sponsored by diverse businesses showed that firms paid at least some training costs, only partially recouped by hiring former apprentices. Although the imperfections of the U.S. labor market motivate company participation and financing of training, long-term benefits do not seem to outweigh costs. (SK)

Students entering Taiwanese senior high schools are now taught technology education instead of industrial arts education. Using problem-based learning strategies, the "living technology" curriculum gives male and female students job-seeking opportunities and skills and allows them to pursue technological literacy and learn about modern…

Describes a technology consultant's training of promising students as network administrators as part of a high-school work-study program. Success hinged on combining work with education, providing supervision and mentoring, using knowledgeable trainers, not substituting students for staff shortcomings, and installing adequate computer security.…

Highlights recent research findings on the status of rural southern workers and their readiness for the future. Presents information on poverty, undereducation, underemployment, and racial inequality in rural southern areas. Examines two avenues of action: helping workers get the education and skills they need and helping workers find suitable…

Examines use of the Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS) work incentive available for persons with disabilities receiving Supplemental Security Income. PASS program data are analyzed for demographic factors, disability status, occupational goals, and requested items and services. Findings indicate few transition-age students used PASSes and that…

Describes a variety of programs which provide youth with visual impairments with work experiences. These include transition programs which may rotate students in various positions such as cooperative programs with nonprofit agencies, internships for blind college graduates, employment in rehabilitation businesses, and National Industries for the…

Graduates of an interdisciplinary allied health master's program (n=53) and 27 of their employers were surveyed. Graduates believed the program had positively influenced their employment. They were active in professional organizations but few pursued scholarly activities. Employers approved of their skills and job performance. (SK)

Discussion of the relationship between the school-to-career transition research findings and current school reform argues that secondary special educators should align their advocacy and research efforts within a "whole school reform" context as opposed to a "students with disabilities" context. Analysis examines program administration, curriculum…