Manufacturing employs a declining share of the U.S. labor force but is still the most important sector of Southern rural economies. Manufacturing has played a major role in reducing poverty in the rural South and is particularly important to economies where tourism, recreation, or commuting is not strong. Historically, manufacturers moved to the…

Recent research demonstrates the positive relationship between liberal learning and leadership in business, government, and civic life. Studies within industries illustrate the relevance of liberal education to, and preparation it provides for, contemporary problem-solving and management. (MSE)

Investigated the career counseling needs of employees at an industrial plant. Employee concerns included career change, educational counseling for job advancement, promotions, and environmental adjustment. Tests and career path charts prove useful. Suggestions for other materials are given. (JAC)

Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Industrial Liaison Program provides efficient and timely access to the research and staff resources of the Institute for the benefit of its members. The industrial liaison officer, professors, directory of current research, publications, symposia, seminars, and foreign programs are described. (MLW)

At Turner Technical Arts School in Miami, one of seven academies teaches residential construction. The program has input from the building industry, integrates academic and vocational education, and provides practical work experiences. (SK)

Thanks to a student teacher's efforts, a fourth-grade class in Montgomery County, Maryland, spent half a day touring Bell Atlantic's facilities. Each student's most treasured memory was lunching with a Bell Atlantic employee "buddy" and visiting his or her work station. Children's thank you letters expressed their gratitude for…

More than a decade ago, the United States Congress passed the Scientific and Advanced Technology Act, which authorized the Advanced Technological Education program (ATE). Through ATE, the National Science Foundation (NSF) was directed to develop models aimed at two-year colleges of advanced technological education in order to expand the nation's…

"Everything in instructional design has to do with layers," said Dr. Andrew S. Gibbons. In the Jan/Feb 2003 issue of "TechTrends," Dave Wiley used Dr. Gibbons' "excellent thinking on layers" to make the distinction between an instructional medium and an instructional strategy. These authors use Dr. Gibbons' idea about layers in design again--to…

This paper is concerned with the degree to which the graduate skills required by industry are developed in Australian universities. Despite acknowledgement of the need to increase the graduate skills of students, it would seem that the stated intentions of Australian universities in this respect do not yet meet the expectations of industry. The…

Examines the roles of demographic composition, education, and industrial mix in explaining metro-nonmetropolitan differences in underemployment. Documents higher prevalence of "discouraged workers," unemployment, and underemployment in nonmetropolitan areas. Shows educational composition is single most important component accounting for…

Summarizes the major findings of a study conducted by the Roper Organization and reported in "Electronic Media Career Preparation Study." Examines the strengths of the report and discusses shortcomings in its recommendations and methodology. (KEH)

With the new Perkins Act, the federal government has forged a powerful tool for restructuring schools. By integrating academic and vocational education, teaching all aspects of an industry, and creating links to community economic development, schools can truly become more inclusive and democratic institutions. Includes six references. (MLH)

U.S. business and industry must follow Xerox's training, staff development, and research and development example to leapfrog ahead of foreign competitors. The business community launched the New American Schools Development Corporation to carry out the America 2000 plan to transform U.S. schooling. So far, America 2000 communities are focusing on…

Describes the modular curriculum developed by the National Center for Construction Education and Research; presents 10 steps toward establishing a school-to-career program in construction. Provides a variety of information about carpentry/construction as a career including salary range, projected job growth, educational requirements, and…

Within this document is testimony delivered by seven individuals at a Congressional hearing on what role government and education should play in revitalizing U.S. productivity. Of particular interest at the hearing was a study made by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Commission on Industrial Productivity entitled "Made in…