In the knowledge economy, the journey of education to develop a flexible, knowledgeable, and skilled workforce should begin in pre-school and continue until at least an associate degree--the equivalent of a high school diploma a generation ago--is achieved. A high school diploma is not sufficient to compete in a global economy. The number of…

Work-based learning interventions, particularly cooperative education, are a viable way to support the post-high school transition process, enhance work-related cognitive development, and increase the occupational engagement of at-risk youth. Using propensity score matching to analyze data from the Educational Longitudinal Study of 2002…

Setting up apprenticeships for high school students is a realistic option. Well-conducted apprenticeships enhance the prospects of providing contextual learning and can become an important step in tech prep. (Author)

A general overview of the South Carolina distributive education program is given in this handbook for high school juniors and seniors training for careers in marketing and distribution. Following a brief discussion about the concept of distributive education, the three areas of the program are summarized: (1) the classroom; (2) on-the-job training…

Summarizes the findings of a national study assessing cooperative vocational programs at the secondary level. Highlights the characteristics of successful programs, including teacher-coordinators, participating students, training sponsors, organization and governance, and special populations. Available from W.C. Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 1578,…

Work-based learning motivates students and improves graduation rates. New methods of school-to-work coordinate school-based and work-based learning, judge progress against industry skill standards, begin career exploration in seventh grade, and link high school and postsecondary education. (SK)

Scholars have long acknowledged the role schools have in reproducing a sexual division of labor. Despite the reemergence of a feminist movement and anti-sex-discrimination legislation, schools are still places where boys and girls tend to study different curricula and where traditional sex roles are perpetuated. Physics, calculus, and shop classes…

Results of a study of over 1,000 experience-based career education students suggest six ways experiential education staff can improve the learning potential of community experiences. These involve giving the students challenge, responsibility, freedom to explore, hands-on learning, a good relationship with individuals at the work site, and…

A self-assessment questionnaire is presented in this document for use by high school administrators collecting information on which to base recommendations and plans for improving the effectiveness of cooperative work experience (CWE) programs. A format for assessment in each of the following areas is given: characteristics of students, staff, and…

Many articulation agreements in place between two-year college occupational programs and high schools are of the "2+2" or "advanced standing" format. The cooperative education component of articulation is critical and requires attention. Properly supported, cooperative education articulation accrues benefits to the student, the…

Interviews with four co-op students as well as parents, cooperating teachers, and workplace supervisors were analyzed as multiple-perspective cases, by stakeholder groups, and across cases. Focus groups provided additional data from seven co-op students. All stakeholders believed that co-op broadened the school curriculum. Adults were more…

Describes Roseburg (Oregon) High School's Applied Communication course, which teaches communication skills to cooperative work experience students within the context of workplace situations and real-life experiences. (SK)

THE PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT IS TO SERVE AS A GUIDE TO DISTRIBUTIVE EDUCATION PERSONNEL AND SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS IN DEVELOPING AND IMPLEMENTING THE PROJECT PLAN OF TRAINING HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS FOR CAREERS IN MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION. THE PROJECT PLAN INVOLVES A REGULARLY SCHEDULED SERIES OF INDIVIDUALLY DESIGNED LEARNING ACTIVITIES THAT GIVE…

The essential elements of grammar required to write business letters, memorandums, and reports are covered in this quinmester course. The course consists of a complete grammar review and the learning of proofreading skills for students in the Cooperative Business Education program in Dade County High Schools. Instruction techniques include group…