This book describes the tech prep/associate degree initiative and illustrates its characteristics and promise through examples of collaborative efforts. Chapter 1 introduces a model or vision for tech prep and shows how it has grown from its vocational education roots to encompass a much broader educational spectrum. Chapter 2 addresses nine basic…

This report presents findings of a Florida task force that focused on the integration of career, technology, and economic concepts into the academic curriculum. It contains the mission statement for the public school experience, lists student outcomes to be assessed at high school graduation, and defines career development and economic,…

A study examined the relationship between: (1) the balance struck between career and technical education (CTE) and academic course-taking during the high school years; and (2) academic achievement, persistence in high school, and postsecondary destinations. Data for the study were drawn from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988. The…

The objectives of the 4-year Laborers-Associated General Contractors (AGC) Business and Education Standards Project are: (1) generate world-class standards for construction craft occupations; (2) develop and promote a certification program for construction craft laborers (this objective was deleted because of negative reaction); (3) promote the…

This module is the fourth section of a four-part how-to manual for integrating curriculum in grades K-12, especially in Missouri. The module discusses the topic of assessment and provides suggestions for assessing students, integrated teaching, and integrated programs. Comments from teachers, students, and administrators who are actively involved…

This report is designed to help state and local policymakers and practitioners understand the goals behind integrating academic and technical standards and the processes three national partnerships used to develop, test, and implement them in the context of curriculum reform. The first chapter of the report defines and describes integrated…

A large body of research, especially from the 1990s, demonstrates the positives of Career and Technical Education (CTE). The research shows that associate degree holders enjoyed average earnings 20-30 percent higher than high school graduates (while baccalaureate degree holders had average earnings 30-40 percent higher than those of high-school…

This manual was developed as a guide for community college faculty and administrators who are seminar leaders working with faculty groups in an attempt to integrate academic and career-related education. It contains presentation plans for 10 3-hour seminars, including purpose, time sequence, key concepts, activities, and handouts. The seminars…

The Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) Career Academy was initiated at Worthing High School (WHS) in the Houston (Texas) Independent School District at the beginning of the 1994-95 school year. The career-oriented program operated as a "school-within-a-school" program and was designed to meet the needs of students at risk of…

This handbook is designed for directors of secondary vocational education who are interested in activities to support tech prep programs and the integration of academic and vocational education. The activities could, however, be easily adapted to work on the postsecondary/community college level. Its purpose is to give occupational faculty the…

The Southeastern Illinois Technical Preparation project was undertaken to develop sequenced tech prep programs in principles of technology/electronics, computer programming, and secretary/business management at nine high schools and Southeastern Illinois College with emphasis on preparation in mathematics, science, and communication and on…

High school graduates who do not go on to higher education ("the forgotten half") can no longer expect to obtain steady employment at wages that can support a family. Their ability to compete for well-paying jobs is hampered by a lack of skilled training. In contrast, the labor market in the United States 50 years ago relied heavily on…

The 10 chapters in this book provide an overview of 5 years of work by member schools and colleges in the Urban Schools Network, which provides technical assistance to schools in 31 urban areas. "Overview of the Urban Schools Network" (Lola Jackson) is a history, defining purposes, participants, and priorities. "Integrating Academic…

This annual report describes the following activities of the Maryland State Council on Vocational-Technical Education: (1) mandated responsibilities; (2) integration of academic and vocational education; (3) workplace requirements; (4) serving special populations; (5) technology education; (6) image/public relations/communications; (7) career and…

An integrated curriculum offering regular high school science courses as well as special interdisciplinary courses at the learning disabled, average, and advanced ability levels, and courses and internships in health professions was implemented in a Kansas City high school. A formative evaluation of the Southeast Health Professions Magnet High…