Student enrolment in higher education is increasing, as are enrolments in non-traditional pathways, such as degree completion programs, particularly those that are offered online. These changes have shifted the nature of student learning needs and perceptions. Therefore, stakeholders in higher education need a greater understanding of the drivers…

This study contributes to the literature on first year teachers by identifying complexities and struggles of becoming a teacher and the implications of district-university partnerships to strengthen our educator preparation program. The importance of partnerships with stakeholders, memorandum of agreements to share data, observations of first year…

This study was designed to collect formative information for the development of theoretically driven water conservation communication efforts targeting the business sector of water users. Members from a West Texas Chamber of Commerce were recruited for participation in an online survey. Questionnaire responses were collected from 176 commercial…

This paper reports results from a resume-based field experiment designed to examine employer preferences for job applicants who attended for-profit colleges. For-profit colleges have seen sharp increases in enrollment in recent years despite alternatives such as public community colleges being much cheaper. We sent almost 9,000 fictitious resumes…

How do students and alumni of for-profit colleges feel about their schools and the value of their education? Do they have distinct expectations, priorities, and needs compared with students who choose to study at not-for-profit institutions? Are prospective students effectively weighing their options before deciding to enroll at for-profit…

This qualitative study examined the impact of a six-step framework for work-specific vocabulary instruction in adult English language learners (ELLs). Guided by research in English as a second language (ESL) methodology and the transactional theory, the researchers sought to unveil how these processes supported the acquisition and application of…

A survey developed by the Occupational Education Division of Howard University to determine employee supply and demand in Howard County, Texas, involved both employees and employers. Employer data were compiled from interviews with 319 out of a possible 409 employers who employed three or more people. Conclusions and recommendations for the…

The purpose of the one-year study was to determine the ability of public and private employment agencies to meet the job placement and educational needs of vocationally trained, disadvantaged individuals living in three rural Texas counties. The overall goal was to develop an effective system that would allow for the continuous placement of these…

This study was conducted to determine the manpower needs of El Paso, Texas, by surveying and interviewing employers in regard to numbers of employees, education and training level preferred, and related employee information. A second purpose was to identity specific kinds of skills needed by EL Paso business and industry. Information was gathered…

Analyzes original data from a survey of 936 businesses located in barrios in Texas and California. Discusses differences in the responses of native ethnic, immigrant ethnic, and nonethnic employers to Mexican immigrants as workers and consumers. (FMW)

A study examined the effectiveness of the cooperative training component of the vocational/technical programs at 30 junior and community colleges and technical institutes throughout Texas. Data were collected from 353 cooperative education students (of 445 contacted), 108 coordinators (of 160 contacted), and 121 work site supervisors (of 488…

This study investigates stigmatization in the probation process from the perspective of the probationer. Hereby we use the concepts of primary and secondary deviance provided by labeling theory to differentiate between stigmatization by others and self-stigmatization. While stigmatization by others is less direct in the guidance of the…

This report focuses on the responses given by 1,531 black high school students interviewed in 11 school districts throughout the State of Texas. It also reports on interviews conducted with a sample of black graduates, dropouts, and parents, school personnel, community people, and employers. Part 1 includes background material. The findings of a…

In order to assess the felt needs and interests of the local population and business community relative to education and training, a survey was designed and implemented in the four-county area surrounding Waco, Texas. This volume, part two of a three part series, documents the work done in developing and conducting the business and industry…

By offering benefits that assist workers in attaining a better balance between work and family, employers can improve the quality of work produced for their companies and the quality of life for employees. This report discusses the benefits of dependent care programs, describes the process involved in selecting appropriate programs, and discusses…