Indicates that a combination of competition in domestic and international markets, rapid changes in technology, and changes in how the workplace is organized contribute to dissatisfaction among employers regarding the quality of job applicants. Suggests that applied teaching and learning strategies are the best way to achieve transferability. (JOW)

The authors discuss their experiences as developers and implementers of a team-taught class in applied science and technology for low-achieving junior high school students. (CH)

While reformers push an academic steamroller toward critical work force shortages, employers and half of the nation's youth could benefit from vocational and technical education. The technical workplace does not require a bachelor's degree from all prospective employees. (JOW)

Three programs at Tulsa Junior College respond to labor force needs: (1) Aviation Education Alliance, an articulated program among universities, two-year colleges, and vocational schools; (2) International Language Center, teaching languages specific to the needs of client companies; and (3) Tulsa Training Center, focusing on workplace literacy…

Tech prep prepares people for technical careers by linking high school studies with community college coursework. The Pee Dee Tech Prep Program in North Carolina is a joint venture between the Richmond County Schools and Richmond Community College that connects essential skills learned in high school with occupation-specific skills taught in…

The Commission on the Skills of the American Workforce warns that the United States can remain competitive only if productivity increases because of a high-skill, high-performance work force. They propose a flexible matrix of learning opportunities to prepare students to be adaptable and productive on the job. (SK)

Occupationally specific vocational training pays off for disadvantaged students, but only if graduates work in the jobs for which they were trained. The implication is that vocational educators must help make sure that the skills they teach are used. (JOW)

Discusses the problems of disadvantaged youth and presents suggestions for solving them, including offering prevocational and career exploration experiences in grades 7-9, identification of student skills and abilities in these grades, expanded social and family counseling, vocational and academic educator cooperation in improving students' basic…