Presents a summary of research on key aspects of the indirect effects of expanding education from grade six through grade nine, followed by a comprehensive analysis of social rates of return to investment in all levels of education in Indonesia and underemployment in urban and rural areas. (three figures, nine tables, 33 references) (MLF)

The purpose of an upgrading program for British Ford Motor Company employees was getting trainees back into learning environments and improving communication, listening, calculation, reading, and cooperation. (SK)

Five major challenges facing vocational education are (1) the changing demographic composition of the United States; (2) the shift from a manufacturing to a service economy and decline in productivity; (3) composition of the labor force; (4) reform of preparation for work; and (5) the politics of race. (SK)

Includes "Skill Upgrading in Public and Private Organizations"; "Developing the Wealth of the Nation" (O'Toole, Simmons); "Dumbing down America" (Shanker); "Career Preparation"; "What Work Requires of Schools: The SCANS Report"; "Industry-Education Collaboration in Canada" (Clark); and…

In the vision of workplace past, work and education combined to improve productivity; in workplace present, workers are deficient and need specialized training. Workplace future must reconceptualize work, addressing race, sex, and class bias and making families and subsistence production, rather than commodity production, the centerpiece. (SK)

Reviews the policies, programs, and funding of continuing professional education in the European Community. Envisions the role of U.S. continuing education providers in Europe in the future. (SK)

Computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) is a critical mechanism for manufacturing competitiveness. Education and government must focus on preparing workers for the CIM environment and providing technical assistance for technology transfer, especially in small businesses. (SK)

Workplace demands for high skills, adaptability, and continuous learning require public-private partnerships to develop effective training systems. Partnerships should serve the interests of all stakeholders, establish skills and certification standards, and create infrastructures for access. (SK)

Presents three views of adult development: (1) person-centered, focused on self-realization and based on humanistic psychology and liberalism; (2) production-centered, focused on organizational goals and based on behaviorism and libertarianism; and (3) principled problem solving, based on cognitive psychology, progressivism, and pragmatism.…

In this interview with the Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Employment and Training Administration (ETA), the following issues are covered: workforce development, new areas of focus, transition from the old to the new system, community colleges and the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), short-term and long-term challenges, and other initiatives.…

Follows up on an article published in the Spring 1999 edition of Inquiry regarding the Work Keys system being advanced by several of the community colleges of Virginia as a means of assessing and developing occupational skills. Evaluates the Work Keys system relative to accepted curriculum design use in Virginia's business community. (VWC)

Reviews French government policies and initiatives in lifelong learning since the 18th century, including the current emphasis on labor force flexibility and individualization. Concludes that flexibility-based approaches may exacerbate inequality because of differing access to opportunities and different measures used for various target groups.…

Uncritical acceptance of the discourses of government economic policies is counterproductive to the development of teamwork and flexible skills due to the insecurity they create. Therefore, discourse analysis should be a crucial element in adult education and training. (SK)

Describes how developing countries are embracing the community college model of higher education focused on job training, older students, and close ties to business. (EV)

Reviews the history of workforce development in the United States and lists issues to frame public policy: governance structure, funding targets, quality measures, accountability, and data collection. Identifies current legislative initiatives: School-to-Work Opportunities Act, Goals 2000, and National Skills Standards Act. (SK)