The history of forecasting in dentistry is explored with a focus on several major forecasting techniques, briefly examining the basic assumptions, data requirements, and strengths and weaknesses of each. Three perspectives held by forecasters are isolated: health status, social need, and economic. (Author/MLW)

Given the public's demand for better teaching (and its indifference to scholarship), one might think there would be a vigorous demand for high quality instructors at all levels of higher education. Instead, the healthiest market remains that for scholars. In this article, the author discusses the differences in the markets for scholars and…

Will there be radical changes in the workplace by 1997? Four predictions, two full of gloom and doom and two full of promise, are common in current literature. One recent theory holds that we are facing a polarization of American society through the erosion of the middle class. Another gloomy prediction suggests that not only is the middle class…

This report was prepared in response to a mandate by the Texas legislature to study issues relating to the nursing shortage in Texas, career mobility among the various nursing programs, and collaboration among schools in geographic proximity. The data from the study were drawn from five public hearings, a survey of 60 nursing program directors,…

Discusses demand for chemists and chemical engineers in 1986 and the first half of 1987. Examines the employment outlook by degree, time of year, industry, and institution. Makes predictions for the next year. Examines the starting salaries for B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. chemists. Discusses inequities by degree, experience, and gender. (CW)

The increased availability of computers is affecting education along two fronts. First, the vocational curriculum must meet the demand for trained data-processing personnel and for computer-related skills in other occupations. Second, three major tools (computer-assisted instruction, computer-managed instruction, and computer-assisted guidance)…

Discussed is the mission of the National Science Foundation regarding science education in the United States. Recent history of supported programs is described. Efforts to reorganize the foundation are reported. (CW)

Two paths may be followed to project training needs for high technology: concentration on the employment composition of high technology industries or focus on high technology occupations. The pervasiveness of high technology occupations appears to verify the wisdom of considering total industry employment in manpower planning for high technology…

Although there is a need for more trained school counselors, a decrease in the size of school counselor preparation programs has been reported and many counselor preparation programs no longer train school counselors. Increasing the number of graduates in school counseling programs requires an increase in resources and commitment in counselor…

The information and service industries are and will remain the largest areas of growth/employment. Among current/projected changes in the work environment are the following: greater competition within/beyond the continental borders of the United States; increasing reliance on new equipment/processes; more/constantly changing information to be…

Unprecedented increases in the labor force participation of mothers with children below the age of 3 years, a largely unmonitored supply of out-of-home child care for infants and toddlers which has not kept up with the demand, and the potential for serious developmental damage to children who do not get adequate, individualized care in the…

If colleges and universities are to remain key providers of training in the health professions, they must undertake strategic planning to address the changing health care environment. The impetus for change is the broad national effort to control the escalating costs of health services. (Author/MLW)

Examines the community college's role in state economic development, describing the North Carolina model, which teams community colleges and the department of commerce to insure adequate program funding. Encourages similar linkages in other states to provide resources for occupational training of skilled workers in high technology, critical…

Discussed are the options universities and colleges have to counter the trend toward declining participation in geology programs at the undergraduate level. Included are solutions involving precollege education, science teacher training, public relations improvement, the balance of research and teaching for college faculty, and increasing…

The author examines the ability of high-tech industry to provide jobs for graduates of these programs. He also discusses the historical role of vocational education in national policy and the problems that may result from the attempt to prepare students for specific jobs rather than for careers. (CT)