This report describes the findings of a third party evaluation of the High Point Schools, North Carolina, experience-based career education (EBCE) program. Six instruments were used to compare EBCE and non-EBCE students: (1) The Comprehensive Tests of Basic Skills, (2) the JOBS instrument, (3) the Attitude Scale of the Career Maturity Inventory,…

A study was conducted to examine federally assisted employment and training programs in the Tidewater, Virginia, area during fiscal year 1977. The General Accounting Office found forty-four programs with similar goals attempting to assist virtually the same people. These were authorized through sixteen separate legislative authorities, creating a…

Besides providing work experiences, employers can help educators improve student performance by influencing public-policy decisions and changing their own employment policies. Employers' reasons for participating in work-based-learning programs include philanthropic interest, particular labor needs, and desire to improve a community's labor…

Labor quality is a chief concern of both rural and urban manufacturing employers. New skills required by advanced technology explain part of the problem, but dissatisfaction with work attitude is common to high- and low-tech employers. Lack of a high school diploma is linked to problems with worker skills and attitude. Employers are increasing…

In 1991, a study was conducted by Oakland Community College (OCC) in order to evaluate the need for a proposed Sign Language Interpreter program. OCC's study focused on validating and updating findings from a similar research project begun in fall 1989 by Macomb Community College (MCC) in Warren, Michigan. Federal and state legislation, data from…

A study examined the views of employers and graduates of accredited home study programs concerning the worth of these programs. To gather data for the study, researchers mailed questionnaires to all of the 534 students who had received a degree from five home study institutions accredited by the National Home Study Council. In all, 191 graduates…

In 1988, a quantitative and qualitative analysis was conducted to determine the effectiveness, quality, and image of Patrick Henry Community College's (PHCC's) nursing program. The study was initiated in response to faculty and administrator concern about the low passing rates of nursing graduates on the state licensing board examination. The…

A project was undertaken to explore the prospects of conducting employer followup surveys concerning the graduates of a selected vocational program and to devise a procedure that would categorize the small number of employers to be sampled in such a way that useful data for possible program change could be obtained and analyzed. During the…

A follow-up survey of Oregon's 1979-80 twelfth grade vocational students and early leavers and their employers was conducted to determine what the former students were doing, what they thought of their vocational preparation, and how their employers perceived their preparation for jobs. The survey population consisted of all 1979-80 vocational…

The narrative portion of this report focuses on a study of Toronto's high school work experience and career exploration programs to examine perception of the programs by participating students, teachers, and employers. A literature review comprises the first part. The second section identifies the goals of the three types of work experience…

LaGuardia Community College (New York), with support from a contract with the U.S. Office of Career Education, has developed and assessed a career education model for two-year colleges. From July 1, 1976, through September 30, 1977, LaGuardia designed, or refined, and pilot-tested career educational components that included a career resource…

Reports on a study conducted by the Two-Year College Development Center to evaluate contract courses delivered by New York community colleges. Discusses findings related to the effectiveness of contract courses, implications of training opportunities, perceived value of training, and employer recommendations. (DMM)

This paper provides an overview of the issues and challenges facing postsecondary education in workforce development in the states. Key questions of employer, learner, and government and public expectations are listed as a suggested starting point for discussions between state, education, and business leaders about strategies for addressing these…

In 1990/91, a study was conducted by Oakland Community College (OCC) to evaluate the need for a proposed Cardiovascular Technology program. Fifty-two local hospitals were surveyed to gather information on the employment demand, employment benefits and career preparation requirements for cardiovascular technologists (CVTs), yielding a 62% response…

To provide a common frame of reference, the Michigan Employability Skills Task Force created a working construct of employability skill categories. The draft framework extended beyond academic competence to include interpersonal, group, and adaptability skills. After task force discussions, the initial five skill categories were compressed into…