This brief reviews new findings from a series of extensive studies by the Center for Analysis of Postsecondary Education and Employment (CAPSEE) researchers. The research makes use of large state datasets that include student transcripts merged with individual quarterly earnings records, which allow for the analysis of returns to particular…

This paper reviews recent evidence on the labor market returns to credit accumulation, certificates, and associate degrees from community colleges. Evidence is collated from estimates of earnings gaps across college students using large-scale, statewide administrative datasets from eight states. Six of these states were partners of the Center for…

Stackable credentials--sequential postsecondary awards that allow individuals to progress on a career path--have been suggested as a way to enhance the labor market prospects of middle-skill workers. Yet, thus far, little evidence has been provided on the economic value of these credentials. Here, we report a series of estimates on the association…

Using the 2000 follow-up of the National Education Longitudinal Survey, the authors estimated earnings effects of a community college education. Previous research relied on data collected from students enrolled 20 or 30 years ago. Because the labor market and community colleges have changed dramatically since then, the authors provide an update by…

This paper outlines an agenda for research on postsecondary vocational education that can be carried out with existing data. A particular interest is encouraging research that can provide insight into the effects of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act 1998 (the Act). The paper begins with a brief review of relevant sections…

Discusses the debate over the skill level needed for jobs in the future. Explores the new body of research that suggests that jobs of the future will require more skills and education, not less. Discusses changes in the following industries: (1) apparel; (2) textiles; (3) banking; and (4) business services. (JS)

This publication presents a portrait of transitions from initial education to working life in the United States. Section I details the distribution of students at two basic levels: K-12 and tertiary education. It introduces a recurring concern--the distribution of students by ethnicity and socioeconomic status--and details the declining importance…

Economic, technological, and political changes have created a new employment relationship characterized by an externalized labor market, more tenuous ties between workers and employers, and growing wage inequality. To date, policymakers have sought to address these problems through a supply-side approach focused on education and training. What is…

A study examined the relationship between high-performance workplace practices and the performance of plants in the following manufacturing industries: steel, apparel, and medical electronic instruments and imaging. The multilevel research methodology combined the following data collection activities: (1) site visits; (2) collection of plant…