Approaches to integration include tandem/cluster courses, general education requirements, cross-curricular efforts, applied academics, academic modules in occupational courses, multidisciplinary courses, colleges within colleges, and remediation or English as a Second Language with an occupational focus. (SK)

A study examined vocational/academic integration (VAI) in four Illinois secondary sites, assuming that why schools or teachers choose to integrate will affect how they go about it. The case studies revealed the process of VAI in two different lights: as a highly formalized, documented, and administered procedure; and as an informal collection of…

Contextual learning and applied academics may be the answer to reaching all students and helping them excel in school and in their careers. Career and technical educators already use the techniques of this exemplary practice. (JOW)

Describes the challenging, award-winning programs at high schools: Sussex Technical High School in Georgetown, Delaware; William H. Turner Technical Arts High School in Miami; and Michael E. DeBakey High School for the Health Professions in Houston. Explains how they combine rigorous academic coursework with career and technical education. (JOW)

Creates awareness of the need for more research related to the planning, development, and implementation of tech prep programs and explains why it is needed. (Contains 27 references.) (JOW)

New evidence on brain functions demonstrates the necessity of connections between knowing and doing, school and life, knowledge and application, and content and context. Contextual teaching and learning principles can better harness the power of the thinking brain. (SK)

Describes three programs successfully integrating vocational and academic education: (1) Dauphin County Technical School (Pennsylvania), which uses the cluster concept; (2) St. Mary's (Maryland) Technical Center's tech prep program; and (3) Frederick Vocational-Technical Center (Maryland), which offers core course mastery and a systems approach to…

North Carolina agriculture teachers with High Schools that Work integration grants (n=32) were compared with 32 without grants. Overall, the level of academic integration into agricultural education was low. Teachers with grants did not have more positive attitudes about integration. Time and administrative support were significant barriers to…

Owen Valley High School in Spencer, Indiana, uses a holistic approach to integrating its academic and vocational curricula. Publication of a book of student-written stories on local history was a collaboration of classes in creative writing, civics, child development, English, art, computer applications, print communications, manufacturing,…

Describes workshops designed to help recruit and involve faculty members from vocational and academic departments in a technical college and provide a strong foundation for the integration of the two areas. Addresses cooperative efforts and modifications necessary by both departments. (JOW)

Looks at the issues regarding the integration of basic skills in vocational education. Discusses the team approach and collaborative efforts made to ensure this integration. (JOW)

Discusses development, training, and coordination practices for teams consisting of vocational counselors, vocational teachers, and special needs support services providers. Presents eight models for integrating postsecondary academic and vocational programs. (JOW)

Responses from 639 Illinois high schools and vocational centers (96%) indicated that 55% used integration strategies for vocational and academic education; 80% conducted integration-related staff development. However, only 32% give academic credit for vocational courses and most of the strategies used were low level. (SK)

Higher-order thinking skills, based on Bloom's taxonomy, include evaluating, synthesizing, analyzing, and applying. Vocational educators can best develop these skills in the context of their subject matter by developing objectives that reflect the redesigning activities and test students at higher levels of cognition. (SK)

Vocational education should not be viewed as a separate content area but as part of an educational delivery system, making it appropriate for every student learning applied competencies. (SK)