Four kinds of evidence demonstrating substantial social benefits resulting from public expenditures on higher education are discussed: (1) social rates of return; (2) nonmonetary benefits; (3) local economic activity; and (4) national economic growth. A recent study of the effect of investment in higher education on workforce productivity is…

Describes the purposes of contextual learning, or learning by associating classroom theory with real-world applications, and its role in workplace education. Reviews three common delivery models of contextual learning: self-contained curriculum components, cross-disciplinary approaches, and integrated curriculum approaches. Discusses assessment…

Discusses challenges facing community colleges related to economic development; changes in workforce needs; and changing student characteristics, including increasing numbers of adult students. Describes efforts at Florida's Valencia Community College to address these challenges by becoming more learner-centered. Highlights efforts to link…

In an interview, the head of the Coca-Cola Foundation, Ingrid Saunders Jones, discusses the foundation's objectives for financial support of education and the role of targeted and ethnic marketing, programs at historically black colleges and universities, recent growth of the endowment, number of projects funded, and the role of the Coca-Cola…

Discusses the changing role of instruction at community colleges in the context of the characteristics of community college learners, the knowledge revolution and corresponding new roles of education and business, and the changing nature of work. Provides eight recommendations for ensuring that colleges remain leaders in workforce training. (AJL)

Responses from 22 automotive/electronics small businesses in Wales were compared with a 1996 survey. Results show that government initiatives such as Modern Apprenticeships had limited impact on small businesses. Barriers to training such as time, cost, and motivation also appeared, suggesting that mere availability of training programs does not…

The Dalton Plan, developed by Helen Parkhurst in the 1920s, completely restructured the secondary school day into subject labs, with students determining their daily schedules. Eschewing the usual bell-driven, factory worker model, this approach abolished traditional classrooms and homework and allowed students to select monthly contracts and…

Examines the changing nature of today's labor market and workplace. Reviews trends in workforce composition, considers the discrepancy between the skill levels of workers and the skills needed for new jobs, and discusses the community college's role in work force development. (DMM)

The Secretary of Labor's recommendations for changing the U.S. work force include (1) bridging the gap between workers and employment opportunities; (2) improving the school-to-work transition; (3) providing lifelong learning opportunities for current workers; and (4) preparing all potential workers in the shrinking labor pool. (SK)

The author states that vocational education can join in partnerships with industry, labor, and government to contribute to economic development. Examples of current programs are included. The "joint venture" concept is explained and ideas for forming joint ventures are shared. (CH)

Looks at the relationship of the arts to corporations. Defines how this relationship might be applicable to arts education. Gives examples of corporations as contributors in the areas of funding media resources, of development and use of technology as a creative or instructional tool, and in providing human resources for endeavors. (KO)

Discusses the role of Oregon's community colleges in the state's economic development, focusing on the state's benchmarks for progress over the next 20 years, economic restructuring, regional workforce development, welfare reform, and business school partnerships. (MAB)

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…

Argues that new approaches are needed for community colleges to fully address the needs of two customers: employers and employees. Reviews constraints on employers and obstacles facing employees in seeking further education/training and proposes solutions to help make the colleges the hub of a customer-oriented educational system. (MAB)

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…