This paper builds a model of human capital accumulation driven by increasing specialization of the workforce. Individuals increase the efficiency of time dedicated to human capital acquisition by focusing investments on narrower sets of skills. The evolution of secondary and post-secondary curricula in the United States from 1870-2000 confirms the…

Policymakers and educators are paying increased attention to determining how best to prepare those in adult education programs not only for immediate employment, but also for career advancement and further training or postsecondary education. This focus echoes current efforts among secondary educators, particularly those in career and technical…

Southern Regional Education Board's (SREB's) "High Schools That Work" ("HSTW") initiative works with more than 1,100 schools in 30 states and the District of Columbia to improve school and classroom practices and prepare more students for success in postsecondary studies, advanced training and careers. Forty-nine Arkansas…

Southern Regional Education Board's State Vocational Education Consortium developed a model for integrating vocational and academic education that includes at least three credits each in math and science; four English courses; and four credits in a vocational major and two in related fields. Eight sites implementing the model have narrowed gap…

This catalog describes local programs in the eight models of academic/vocational curriculum integration on the secondary level identified by the National Center for Research in Vocational Education (NCRVE). The roster highlights models from nearly every state, representing a cross-section of rural, suburban, and urban school districts. Each model…

This paper summarizes strategies that have been successfully implemented at 3 of the 40 pilot sites working toward the goal of improving the academic competencies of students completing high school vocational programs. The strategies were culled from 30 interviews with academic teachers, vocational teachers, counselors, vocational directors,…

Because tech prep has the twin goals of preparing students for entry into postsecondary/continuing education or the work force after high school, tech prep programs require significant modification of conventional curricula and teaching methodologies. Both research and experience have demonstrated that the ability to transfer learning from one…

A study focused on the appropriate balance between academic and vocational education for those who intend to work rather than attend college after graduation. Two hypotheses were tested: (1) a high school curriculum that completely specializes in vocational education and ignores basic skills training will not be as effective as the one that…

An integrated system of academic and vocational-technical education is vital to the well-being of students and the nation. Approaches to integrated programs include requiring more academic coursework of vocational students; including academic skills in vocational courses; and integrating the entire high school. Key activities for successful…

The Moraine Area Career System (MACS) Tech Prep Applied Academics Core project was undertaken to develop a written replicable model core of applied academics for selected vocational-technical programs that would emphasize Illinois goals for learning and technical content (including critical and computer literacy). A tech prep advisory council…

Based on observations in many schools, this report discusses the integration of vocational and academic education and describes various approaches to integration. In the first section, the various reasons supporting an integrated curriculum are examined. In the second section, eight different models of integration are outlined, and descriptions of…

This booklet is the third in a series of profiles of "what works" at high schools in the High Schools that Work program. It contains 42 outstanding practices descriptions arranged in categories representing the key practices of the High Schools that Work program: (1) redesigning and refocusing vocational studies; (2) developing a high…

A survey of various reform efforts was made to clarify the similarities and differences between them and efforts to integrate vocational and academic education. The survey revealed four distinct approaches to school reforms: (1) teacher professionalization; (2) curricular and teaching reform; (3) schools of choice; and (4) restructuring. According…

Integration of vocational and academic education at the secondary level has been suggested as a way to strengthen students' education. Concerns about the vocational-academic split found in high schools center around human rights issues; economic competitiveness dependent on strengthened education; and graduates unprepared for life, work, or…

This booklet is the fifth in a series of profiles of "what works" at high schools in the High Schools that Work program. It contains 40 outstanding practices descriptions aligned with the key practices of the High Schools that Work program. The profiles contain a short description of the strategies and contact information. Representative…