This newsletter describes mentoring programs that have been successful in improving the academic achievement of at-risk Hispanic American youth. "Mentoring Programs Bring Results" (L. F. Cavazos) discusses how mentoring programs can help Hispanic American youth develop the skills needed for success while preserving their cultural…

This document reports written and oral testimony given at a Congressional hearing on problems in the education of noncollege-bound youth in the United States. Testimony was given by Representatives James H. Scheuer and Olympia J. Snowe; Franklin Frazier, General Accounting Office; Raymond J. Uhalde, Employment and Training Administration; Marc S.…

In response to findings that 50-80% of handicapped adults nationwide are unemployed, the state of South Dakota has mandated transition planning for handicapped secondary students. A statewide mail survey examined the awareness and attitudes of special education teachers about the need for transition services, the extent of current teacher training…

The Ohio Council on Vocational Education consists of 13 members: 7 from private business, industry, agriculture, labor, and the State Job Training Partnership Act administration, and 6 from secondary and postsecondary education. The council advises the governor, the State Board of Education, and the private sector on developing state plans,…

Education's central challenge is to prepare learners for contributory and satisfying lives in a global economy in which they are productive enough for the nation to be globally competitive. Being globally competitive means that the benefits of foreign trade accrue to all on the basis of each country's pursuing its comparative advantages…

This study merged and expanded data from two research databases containing information on former students with mental retardation ranging from mild (N=34) to moderate (N=78) to severe (N=86). Data were obtained from the "Benefit-Cost Evaluation Project" and the "Post School Transition Project." The subjects came from different…

This handbook is designed as a tool and resource document for school and agency personnel involved in the school-to-work transition of persons with disabilities. It includes forms, checklists, and sample documents. After a brief overview describing why transition has become a national priority, an individualized 4-year transition process is…

To lead the continuing renewal of the nation's institutions, boost U.S. economic competitiveness, and promote responsible citizenship, American education must itself be renewed and restructured. All educators must be committed to providing a high quality education for all students that results in critical and creative thinking, cooperative…

Data from the 1970 National Longitudinal Survey of Labor Market Experience are employed to estimate the foregone earnings of college students. An estimation of earnings functions from male and female youths who are not enrolled in school, and the potential earnings of enrollees is derived by substituting the characteristics of enrollees into the…

As part of an annual statewide evaluation process, quantitative information on community college programs is reviewed by the Maryland State Board for Community Colleges. Subsequently, a qualitative assessment is conducted by individual community colleges in response to specific questions raised by the Board. This report contains evaluations of 48…

In summer 1982, a study was conducted at Mercer County Community College (MCCC) to obtain data on the employment status, educational activities, and opinions about the college of 1978 MCCC graduates. Questionnaires mailed to 601 graduates yielded an overall response rate of 41%. Study findings included the following: (1) 61% of the respondents…

In summer 1983, a study was conducted by Johnson County Community College to assess the job prospects and manpower requirements of Kansas City area business and industry. The study sought to determine employers' perceptions of the skill levels and educational/training requirements of their employees, prospects within selected job categories, and…

Education is constantly criticized for its "failures"--its "failure" to produce literate graduates, its "failure" to prepare students for the jobs of future technology, and its "failure" to reduce unemployment and establish equity for all students. However, these "failures" are not solely those of…

A communication project in a technical writing course demonstrated the importance of communication skills in a profession as it developed the students' own speech and writing skills. After listing what they believed were the major problems in business communication, students compared their responses with instances submitted by local business…

Many companies feel that the communication skills of newly graduated employees are inadequate. As a result, they try to improve employee communication skills by either encouraging extension type courses, establishing inhouse instruction, or retraining consultants to give individual tutoring or group workshops. While each of these approaches is…