With the ultimate goal of articulating a research agenda, a November 1999 conference of researchers and educators examined the educational, social, and economic factors affecting rural adolescents' transition to the workforce. The first section of this white paper discusses the need to clarify research questions about adolescence to include a…

Although the Japanese term "kyo-iku" is translated into English as "education," significant differences exist between the two terms. A new term, "ergonagy," has been advocated to help integrate the Japanese concept of kyo-iku and the Western concept of education. "Ergonagy" is formed from the Greek terms…

This document compares Tech Prep and School-to-Work initiatives with the Berkeley Biotechnology Education, Inc. (BBEI) community college biotechnology education and training program. The primary goals of the three programs are: (1) Tech Prep links high schools with community colleges; (2) School-to-Work connects school-based learning with…

Despite increased government investments in education, West Virginia continues to have one of the nation's highest high school dropout rates and is among the states with the highest unemployment rates. Human capital theory provides the conceptual basis for evaluating the relationship between investment in education and economic development. An…

This digest describes the post-school outcomes of students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) in education, employment, and social relationships. It also presents several school-based strategies to improve the post-school outcomes for students with EBD, including: (1) social skills training that involves both direct instruction and…

The National School-to-Work Office in collaboration with the National Association for Gifted Children, the Council for Exceptional Children, the Association for the Gifted, and the Council of State Directors of Programs for the Gifted have identified 11 gifted education/school-to-work (GT/STW) models that are either best practices or unique…

This book explains major trends in the U.S. labor market over the last quarter-century. Chapter 1 presents hypotheses regarding the changing labor market. Chapter 2 looks at cognitive skills and formal education as determinants of employment. Chapter 3 develops the argument that the downward occupational mobility arising from changes in the supply…

This study examines performance and authentic assessments related to job and academic skills. It begins with a general historical perspective that discusses the evolution of assessment systems used by education and industry in the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan. The influence of federal policy also is discussed,…

This document presents information from and about two 1999 surveys conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics: "Vocational Programs in Secondary Schools" and "Occupational Programs in Postsecondary Education Institutions." The first 25% of the document consists of an introduction and selected findings. The introduction provides…

The Washington state School-to-Work (STW) All Students/Special Populations Work Group developed a set of criteria to ensure equity in access, outreach, participation, and treatment for all students in the STW system. "All students and special populations" encompasses both male and female students; disadvantaged students with diverse…

This report presents background information on the role of California community colleges in meeting the workforce development needs of the competitive global economy. It asserts that California is now experiencing a "new economy," which calls for employees to be more adaptable and flexible in their expectations and attitudes. The work of…

This is a report on the 2001 after-college earnings of students from Washington State's community and technical colleges. The state board created a wage-based category system for all 500 vocational/job-preparatory programs offered by the 34 state two-year colleges. The programs were divided into high- ($12 or more per hour), middle- ($10.50-$12…

This is a report on the student success model designed by Modesto Junior College (MJC) (California) in conjunction with the state-established Partnership for Excellence (PFE) program goals. The PFE program addresses goals of the community college's mission along with more direct emphasis on transfer programs, degrees and certificates awarded,…

This collection of essays and personal reflections stems from the author's experiences as an educator and sailor. He attempts to draw parallels between the schoolhouse and the sailboat to glean lessons on how to perform in the workplace. Through anecdotes and sketches, the author furnishes two sets of "rules" on how to be a good team…

This brochure discusses the role of Missouri parents in the transition of students with disabilities from high school to adult life. It begins by outlining the requirements of federal legislation for transition planning and transition services. A question-and-answer format follows that addresses the beginning of transition planning at age 14 or…