Educational excellence is necessary to develop productive citizens and a productive work force. To achieve this excellence, schools must address the learning styles and motivations of students; the guidance and counseling staff can aid in meeting this challenge. (JOW)

Argues against the one-dimensional approach to the study of occupational aspirations, noting that standard scales of aspiration cannot identify those who aim at occupations that generate high income but require low education. Demonstrates a new index of occupational aspirations. Discusses the impact educational tracking may have on the nature of…

A survey of 45 severely disabled high school students and their parents and teachers found that students and parents perceived that the students' greatest need was for social development and vocational competence. Teachers indicated that some independent living skills were not adequately covered in existing courses. (JOW)

An advanced degree is found to have a positive effect on the earnings of Canadian lawyers in private practice, but a negative effect for lawyers in government service, after controlling for other employment and personal factors. (Author/TE)

Public policy implications for Arizona of the School-to-Work Opportunities Act are explored, specifically with regard to rural areas. It is argued that should additional resources become available to the state, population-based allocations to rural areas are likely to be insufficient for meaningful educational and economic-development reform. (SLD)

A study using data from the High School and Beyond Survey examined the effects of employment on grade point averages, dropout rate, and postcollege wages and employment rates of 4,068 college students. While working students were more likely to drop out than nonworking students, they also did better in the labor market if they do graduate. (MSE)

This article presents a framework for preservice or inservice development of transition personnel. The framework focuses on working with others, knowledge of agencies and influencing systems, development of individualized services, professionalism, job training and support, assessment, administrative functions, philosophical considerations, career…

The Community Observation Project in Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania) has helped more than 100 secondary students with disabilities to learn prevocational skills and behaviors through observation and hands-on experience at 20 local businesses. Details of program implementation, including recordkeeping forms, are provided. (DB)

Describes Marshall University's summer camp where young people participate in activities that help prepare them for important career choices they will need to make when entering college. Benefits for the university include: recruitment, enhanced community partnerships, better informed incoming freshman, and publicity for the career center. (JBJ)

Discusses roles for labor unions in resolving workforce deficiencies, suggesting that labor, management, and government must work together to develop cooperative training initiatives. Describes labor's historic role in basic and workplace literacy training, lists skills workers need in the "new" workplace, describes exemplary union-management…

Hispanics can enhance their professional career by finding jobs with corporations that offer to pay for graduate tuition. This opportunity has positively influenced the careers of many Hispanics and has proven advantageous for corporations as well by increasing the knowledge and skills of their employees. (LP)

Discusses an approach to general chemistry used to make chemistry relevant for students in chemical and environmental technician programs using the following ideas: utilizing group project teaching methods, involving local industry in the education process, and assigning oral presentations and written reports to students. (JRH)

This paper outlines the arrangements for assessing school leavers under Sections 5 and 6 of Great Britain's Disabled Persons Act, summarizes the results of research in Avon (England) following the lives of 50 people with severe learning difficulties just before and after they left school. Presents a model for individual and strategic planning to…

Unskilled and low-level jobs are rapidly disappearing, partly through technological advances. High school graduates are functionally illiterate. The college prep curriculum is too theoretical; the vocational curriculum is more relevant, but its watered-down academics attract less capable students. To enter today's competitive job market, students…

This study investigated adult adjustment of 82 students with behavioral disorders 1 and 3 years after exiting high school. Results are reported for general status (e.g., marital status and living arrangements); employment (percent employed, job classification); and "successful" adult adjustment. Results are also compared by graduation status…