Between 1991 and 1995, the percentage of employed workers participating in skill improvement training (SIT) for their current job increased from 30 to 32%. Participation in SIT increased for full- and part-time workers alike. In 1995, participation for a current job was highest among females and individuals in the 35-54 age group. Participation…

To improve technology education in Taiwan and promote understanding of international technology education, technology education programs in Australia, Japan, Korea, Mainland China, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and Taiwan were compared. A four-stage comparative approach (description, interpretation, juxtaposition, comparison) was used.…

This booklet provides an introduction to evaluating a work force training program, both to assess its impact and to improve its effectiveness. The guide provides instructions for assessing a single training program, rather than a training department in a company or a training provider. It is targeted at small and midsized companies and the…

A study was conducted to use the SCANS (Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills) employability skills to identify the criteria used for hiring and employment retention by companies in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Results were intended to help personnel development and training institutions in the region align their training outcomes and…

This brief paper uses a question-and-answer format to summarize requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 related to employment of persons who have cognitive disabilities. Questions address the following topics: (1) the meaning of "reasonable accommodation" under the law; (2) what is meant by a cognitive…

In 1991 the National Organizations Study (NOS) surveyed a number of U.S. businesses about their structure, context, and personnel practices to produce a database for answering questions about social behavior in work organizations. This book presents the results of that survey. The study aimed to create a national database on organizations--based…

This handbook provides information for persons who are preparing to take a test for certification in the plastics industry. The nine sections of the handbook provide information on the following: (1) the mission of the Society of the Plastics Industry and the value of the National Certification in Plastics; (2) tips on preparing for the exam; (3)…

Indicators are used in quite different ways in vocational education and training, from control and accountability to performance and quality purposes. A classification model has been proposed in which many indicators can fit. It is based on two important dimensions of indicators: (1) the "message" relating to the information content,…

This paper examines the benefits to be derived from networked computer-based instruction (CBI) and discusses the potential of the World Wide Web (WWW) as an effective tool in employee training. Methods of utilizing the WWW as a training tool and communication tool are explored. The discussion is divided into the following sections: (1) "WWW and…

This document contains the oral and written statements of witnesses who testified at a hearing on the Reemployment and Retraining Act of 1994 and the WARN [Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification] Amendments Act. Witnesses included Senator Howard Metzenbaum of Ohio, several union and public employment program officials from several states,…

A national survey was conducted to identify employers' practices and expectations in their search for a skilled and proficient work force. Of over 4,000 employers contacted, 3,347 participated. Establishments reported that just over 80 percent of workers were fully proficient in their current jobs. Neither the restructuring of the U.S. economy nor…

A certification program was designed to provide specialized knowledge and skills courses for future public child welfare workers in Kentucky. The program involves 6 hours of course work, delivered via distance education, and an intense practicum in local offices. Incentives for program participation included special consideration for hiring by the…

A review of the research on online education was conducted to determine whether online education could serve the self-development requirements of the U.S. Army's Armored Forces Research Unit. Self-development needs for the organization are determined annually and met on an individual basis for the organization's membership of 13 behavioral…

This facilitator's manual is part of a curriculum to help special educators teach paraprofessionals to support individual students with disabilities effectively, especially students with moderate to severe disabilities who require individualized support. Special aspects of the curriculum include its site-based and job embedded approach as well as…

This paper describes the demographics and economic circumstances of low income adults with limited English proficiency (LEP), noting the language and job training services available to them and providing recommendations for policy and practice that would increase opportunities to gain access to higher paying jobs. More then eight million…