The study described in this report was conducted to explore the problems with, and possible alternatives to, the current Title IIA and IIB allocation formula required by the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA). The study included a literature and legislation review; interviews with practitioners, public interest groups, and Congressional staff to…

A discussion is provided of how breakthroughs in the application of computers in the manufacturing of automobiles affect the development of community college programs, with particular emphasis on how Michigan community colleges have developed a capacity to respond to changes in this field. First, the paper explains what computer-based…

In September 1986, a comprehensive labor market survey of Santa Cruz County, California, was conducted by Cabrillo College to assess the employment and training needs of business leaders in the county. Questionnaires mailed to 428 randomly selected businesses and services yielded the following findings: (1) the service and retail industries were…

Since research suggests that a direct relationship exists between effective orientation and employee productivity, careful consideration must be given to content, design, and delivery issues when developing orientation training programs for foreign-born employees. The United States typically does not provide adequate employee orientation.…

Limited English proficient adults represent a special population group served by the federally funded Adult Education Act. Usually, limited English speakers attend English as a second language (ESL) classes offered by state and local agencies. In the last decade, changes in the approach to ESL instruction have deemphasized academic ESL and focused…

This report concentrates on problems of displaced blue-collar and nonprofessional white-collar workers. Chapter 1 is a summary. Chapter 2 discusses policy issues and options focused on helping people prepare for worklife changes and helping workers to cope if displacement occurs. A definition and description of worker displacement are offered in…

This collection contains studies of two large-scale national survey databases that have rich information on on-the-job training. The following papers are included: "On-the-Job Training/Sorting: Theory and Evidence," by John Bishop and Suk Kang; "The Magnitude and Determinants of On-the-Job Training," by John Bishop; "Impacts of Training," by John…

Although plant closings and layoffs have been happening for a long time, today's recessions, major changes in the structure of the economy, and a tight job market have combined to make plant closings a more serious problem. Workers are faced with unemployment from both traditional labor-displacing changes, such as the increasing use of robotics;…

Chapter 1 of this reference manual is a summary of the comprehensive competencies program (CCP). It describes this system for organizing, implementing, managing, and efficiently delivering individualized self-paced instruction, combined with group and experience-based learning activities, using computer-assisted instruction. (The CCP covers not…

This paper describes the nature and scope of evaluation services provided within the training division of Arthur Andersen & Company, and highlights some of the evaluation results. The cycle of assessment began with a needs assessment study at the curriculum level. Curriculum planning was undertaken for first-year trainees in the Tax Division.…

A survey of 72 selected two-year colleges was conducted to gather information on the extent and range of college efforts to improve the quality of the workforce and the efficiency of public and private enterprises. Specifically, the survey requested data on credit and noncredit enrollments; occupational programs (e.g., degree programs and programs…

Part I of this paper reviews research on effects of vocational course work on dropout rates, probabilities of employment, earnings, productivity, and basic skills. The review is organized around 10 questions. Answers to these questions include: (1) vocational education lowers dropout rates; (2) economic benefits are substantial; (3) economic…

A study examined the level of coordination exhibited by six Ohio communities (Evergreen, Avon Center, Central City, Douglasville, Frostburg, and Buckeye) in planning and delivering training services to workers dislocated because of plant closings. Information was obtained from a wide variety of documents and reports as well as from Job Training…

A study examined a number of local settings in Ohio in which coordination and collaboration between key providers of services under the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) were deemed exemplary. Its purpose was to identify elements contributing to successful coordination and collaboration that could be of potential use to others. Researchers…

Concern for performance management has increased sharply in recent decades in both the public and private sectors. This has been particularly true in the management of state and federally funded human resource development programs. Legislative purpose, level of use, the role of performance standards, appropriate measures of performance, target…