Discusses increases of women/minorities in the workforce and the instructional changes necessary to recruit them into science careers. Describes model phases of change in science curricula (i.e., recognition of a male-oriented perspective, identification of barriers for women, search for women scientists, and reconstruction of science), providing…

Describes how customized training (i.e., contracted training provided by college personnel for individual firms in exchange for a fee) has evolved in the United States. Discusses links between customized training and three specific economic development strategies. Presents an operational definition of customized training to provide a basis for its…

Explores the individual-level relationship of return migrant status to employment outcomes, taking into account local and regional factors such as the Puerto Rican level of employment. Findings using 1970 and 1980 Census data support a negative influence of return migrant status. Mediating factors are discussed. (SLD)

Examines the development of employment networks among undocumented Mexican migrants in Chicago (Illinois). The ethnographic study of about 100 immigrants indicates that kinship networks have lost importance for migrants seeking employment in Chicago. Presumptive causes for these changes and consequences for the average migrant are discussed. (SLD)

The Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) report lists competencies generic for all students. They include using resources, using information, interpersonal abilities, using systems, and technology. A final report is being prepared pointing out the conflicting messages in the America 2000 plan (stressing academics) and the…

A teacher retraining program sends teachers who are certified in low demand areas to Virginia Commonwealth University to get certified in high demand areas. Retraining veteran teachers and the reduction of extraneous teaching positions, along with savings on substitute teacher costs, should save the system nearly $2 million. (MLF)

This article addresses the evaluation of new British programs designed to bring more experiential and active learning into the higher education curriculum. Some of the difficulties of assessing these programs are examined and political influences on evaluation are discussed. (MSE)

Asserts that not using a cross-cultural approach to American Studies is paradoxical, since comparative analysis is the principal sociological method of discovery and proof. Describes an American Studies course in which the core is comparative analyses of work and education in other countries. (CFR)

Analyzes the complex interaction between economic, political, and cultural variables demonstrating how the Choctaw Nation, in the southeastern Oklahoma timber region, has become a politically dependent labor force alienated from its land resources. Discusses benefits of Choctaw economic initiatives as well as potential moral and cultural costs of…

Provides an overview of the role of Portuguese child laborers, focusing on the textile, clothing, and footwear industries. Argues that in the long term, positive outcomes will be based upon improved education; an alteration in the views of the factory owners, parents, and their children; and greater knowledge of innovative working practices among…

Oregon's statewide social-studies assessment (a randomized, multiple-choice maze) is part of a "democratic" national standards movement that threatens good teaching and multicultural studies. If multiculturalism's key goal is accounting for historical influences on current social realities, then Oregon's standards and tests earn a…

Summarizes the viability of the vulnerability thesis as a tool in accounting for school superintendent behavior today, suggesting how the thesis can be built on in order to better understand the political world of superintendency. The paper suggests some social and political theories that might extend the thesis, further clarifying the…

Gives advice to music education majors on how to approach the problems of competing in the job market and finding a teaching position. Discusses how to compose a cover letter and resume in detail. Explains the importance of professional attire for the personal interview along with prepared answers to anticipated interview questions. (CMK)

Explored several Holmes Scholars' perceptions regarding the Holmes Scholars Network's influence upon their career development, examining conditions that affected entry into teaching. Four participant researchers collaboratively examined their personal narratives and research texts. Results found three themes: mapping new destinations, surviving in…

Using data from three longitudinal surveys of American high school students, shows that vocational courses helped noncollege-bound students start their work life more successfully. Short- and medium-term payoffs to vocational courses rose substantially between 1972 and 1980 and remained high in 1992. Job-specific skills are valuable. (26…