Preparing students for college and careers is a task that has drastically changed over time. The days of post-secondary education or a degree guaranteeing employment are things of the past, especially during times of economic instability. Also gone are the days of someone who is "good with their hands" graduating from high school and…

"Wheels of Learning," a construction trade curriculum, was integrated with Baltimore County schools curriculum to provide high school students with standardized apprenticeship training and put them on a career path before graduation. (Author/JOW)

In a partnership between several tool companies and vocational high schools, students in construction technology classes give new products a fair and rigorous workout at a fraction of the cost of focus groups. The process allows companies to expose their products to students who, in turn, provide critical evaluation of the tools. (JOW)

Discusses the history and success of the United States' most popular high school journalism textbook, "Scholastic Journalism," by Earl English, Clarence Hach, and Tom Rolnicki. (SR)

One legacy of the United States' emphasis on individualism is a system of vocational education disconnected from employers. Collaboration is an attempt to replace hostility with closer relations between the public and private sectors. The movement for partnerships comes as the "system" of work-related education and training is becoming…

Refutes the claim that textbooks are responsible for educational difficulties. States that textbooks are a reflection of what teachers want. Provides a behind the scenes look at textbook production. Points out the problems created by the lack of a national curriculum and the textbook policies of state adoption committees. (RW)

In response to falling enrollments in French and a diminishing pool of high school teachers, faculty at Auburn University tried to turn the tide through a series of curricular and advocacy initiatives. They introduced new French majors in education and in international trade and a collaborative major with the Consumer Affairs Department in French…