Higher education leads to increased earnings and lower risks of unemployment and is especially important for individuals during economic downturns. The COVID-19 crisis has caused unemployment rates to increase. In previous economic downturns, increases in unemployment rates led to surges in postsecondary enrollment. But contrary to historical…

We use data on over 14,000 teacher candidates in Washington state, merged with employment data from the state's public schools and Unemployment Insurance system, to investigate the career paths of recently certified teacher candidates in the state. About two thirds of these candidates are observed as public school teachers at some point within 5…

Until 2014, the General Educational Development (GED®) test dominated the high school equivalency (HSE) test market throughout the United States, to the point that educational experts acknowledged the acronym "GED" had become synonymous with "high school equivalency." However, changes to the test, the way it is administered,…

We use longitudinal data on high school students in Washington State to assess the relationships between English Language Arts (ELA) teacher value added and other qualifications and the high school and postsecondary outcomes of their students. We also investigate whether these relationships differ for students with and without disabilities. We…

A 20-year retrospective study, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and published in the July 2015 issue of the "American Journal of Public Health," suggests that kindergarten students who are more inclined to exhibit "social competence" traits--such as sharing, cooperating, or helping other kids--may be more likely to…

Gainful employment and earnings to support a family living are significant policy goals of the applied baccalaureate program. Therefore, employment is an important metric to study; however, there are limitations in the data and process used in past reports that make understanding the true impact of applied baccalaureate programs on an individuals'…

Washington's community and technical colleges (CTCs) play an important role in producing baccalaureate degree graduates in the state. They expand opportunities for both graduates and employers, build upon professional-technical associate degrees, and provide a clear pathway for students who may be place bound or have difficulty finding a transfer…

A key to Washington's economic prosperity over the past 20 years has been a thriving employment sector for workers who have high levels of education in fields related to biological, physical, computer and health sciences, engineering, and mathematics. Washington has met the demands of its knowledge-driven economy by producing and attracting one of…

Conducted a study to establish a database on the post-school employment status of handicapped students throughout the state of Washington. Interviews with parents of 1,225 special education graduates indicated a 55% employment rate among children and a need for vocational rehabilitation services. Findings suggest that use of existing services is…

The passage of the Contract with America Advancement Act terminated the Social Security Administrations Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income benefits for persons diagnosed with drug or alcohol addiction (also known as DA&A recipients), effective January 1, 1997. From an evaluation standpoint, the law created the opportunity…

This document describes the job opportunities forecast system which provides estimates of total job openings expected to be available in the Washington State Labor market annually through 1985. (The forecast has been keyed to occupational skills consistent with educational programs in the state. This edition of the forecast has been expanded to…

This progress report on diversity in higher education in Washington State was undertaken less than a year after voters approved Initiative 200, which prohibits discrimination based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Analysis of data gathered from several sources focused on five areas: student enrollment, transfers, retention,…

To provide farm employers with a clearer understanding of what is required to attract qualified people for responsible positions and agricultural students with an overview of substantial job opportunities in farm employment, this study summarized agricultural employment trends, reviewed research findings in occupational development, surveyed…

Findings of a study that examined access and entry patterns of men and women superintendents to the public school superintendency in Washington State are presented in this paper. Factors that account for the increased number of women superintendents in Washington, as compared to the small number nationwide, are identified. Methodology involved:…

Divided into five parts, this document presents the projections of the Job Opportunities Forecast for the Washington State Labor Market through 1985. (A separate document, CE 018 690, discusses the methodology behind the forecasts.) Part 1, which serves as an introduction, describes the occupational information presented in the forecast and lists…