The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins Act) is the primary federal law aimed at developing and supporting career and technical education (CTE) programs for secondary and postsecondary students. In the 109th Congress, the Perkins Act was reauthorized by the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of…

This article reports the views of managers and tutors on the role of policy "levers" on teaching, learning, and inclusion in colleges of Further Education (FE) in our research project, "The impact of policy on learning and inclusion in the Learning and Skills Sector (LSS)." Using data from five research visits conducted over…

The ideologies underpinning public/private partnerships (PPPs) have been much contested in theory, but what does promulgating a social partnership mean in practice? This qualitative research study has been "critiquing" a construct of "ecologies of learning" or "capacities of capital" for social partnerships between…

This case study provides information on the formal and informal technical and vocational education systems operating within the United Kingdom. It is intended to assist policymakers, planners, administrators, and experts in technical and vocational education. Part I provides basic information on the country and its economy with special emphasis on…

The monograph presents eight articles concerned with research, collaboration, and development of alternatives for skilled technical education for those underserved individuals now exiting the educational system ill-prepared for careers. The first two articles present a statement of the educational needs of individuals who are mildly-to-moderately…

Discussed is how to bridge the gap that separates new high school graduates from good jobs. The obstacles that students face, systems used in other countries for integrating young people into the workforce, the lack of a system in the United States, and key features that are needed for effective school-to-work transition programs are described.…

This document describes customized, employer-specific training programs for incumbent workers and new hires operated in 45 states. Unlike federal programs, state programs are economic tools to attract and retain jobs; are employer-, not worker-centered; have few requirements for targeting individuals; and train incumbent workers for new jobs or…

Identifies issues related to educational reform in the former East Germany. Compares changes in the educational systems of the states of Berlin and Brandenburg and points out that the two entities are growing closer together. (CFR)

Aimed at federal policymakers, this monograph presents a discussion of the role of excellence in vocational education and the role of the government in achieving it. The report is organized into five chapters. In the first chapter, the dimensions of excellence are examined with a focus on values, the atmosphere of crisis engendered in part by a…

The paper examines the prospects of employment for Canadian youth with mental disabilities and offers a model for secondary vocational programing designed to promote the transition from school to work. An introductory section comments on the bleak outlook for employment for students with disabilities and notes the economic and social consequences.…

Describes a Russian exhibit of scientific and technological applications for education. Discusses how the nation's transition to a market economy is dramatically changing technical and professional education. Concludes that the most important result of the conference was that people began to rethink their activities. (CFR)

Describes current reform efforts in Romania and identifies 11 types of secondary schools determined by vocational goals. Discusses eight objectives for innovation and research, including curriculum reform, the relationship between general and vocational education, student assessment, and decentralization of decision making. (CFR)

Since vocational education is part of the secondary educational system, a system that is presently under close scrutiny and looking for ways to improve, it is appropriate to determine what the federal role might be in helping to achieve excellence in secondary vocational education. Federal policy has helped to shape secondary vocational education…

Reauthorization of the Vocational Education Act is being considered at a time when technological developments are changing the skill requirements of the labor force. The challenge of training and retraining must be met by a partnership of the governmental, business, and educational sectors. A federal leadership role is crucial in guiding…

Discusses how Russian vocational-technical education should be funded and proposes four possible scenarios. Recommends a privatization procedure in which an individual or a group of employees of a vocational school would purchase the institution from the government. (CFR)