In 1998, Trident Technical College conducted the 1997 Employer Follow-Up Survey to collect information from employers of 1997 graduates. A total of 373 employers of graduates were identified, of which 243 were contacted and interviewed. Findings indicate that employers rate graduates average or above average in most technical and personal skills.…

A study used concept mapping to identify, classify, and prioritize student outcomes for use in building a foundation for evaluating tech prep programs. The study involved 61 stakeholders from 3 stakeholder groups: 24 educators, 18 students, and 19 employers, who rated 98 student outcomes statements gleaned from educational literature on tech prep…

A study evaluated the adequacy, effectiveness, and coordination of vocational education and Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) program delivery systems in Texas. Statistical data on vocational education were obtained from the Texas Education Agency and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and data on JTPA programming were obtained from the…

Each year a study is conducted at Prince George's Community College (PGCC) to update student outcomes data using quantifiable measures of student achievement. Data for the 1989 study were obtained from the college's student information system, the University of Maryland (UM) system, and surveys of all 825 fiscal year 1988 graduates and 118 of…

The learning gap between high school students in the United States and those in many other countries has several causes. First, U.S. students devote a lot less time and interest to learning. A second major reason is parental and school board apathy. Cultural comparisons reveal a lack of incentives for learning accomplishment in the United States,…

Employers were surveyed to obtain their opinions as to the quality of the Cornell University undergraduate program in applied economics and business management. In addition, employers were asked to recommend modifications in the program to enable students to meet the challenges of the future. Survey instruments were mailed to recruiters in 173…

A study was conducted by Mesa (Arizona) Community College (MCC) to obtain and analyze information from employers of former MCC students regarding the performance, skills, and attitudes of former students; job outlook; assessment of MCC training; and source of hiring. Study findings included the following: (1) employers gave the highest ratings to…

In 1984, a follow-up study was conducted of degree-oriented, vocational students who were enrolled at William Rainey Harper College (WRHC) during 1982-83 and who were no longer enrolled in 1983-84. The study sample included 832 students who received a degree or certificate, 1,150 students who left WRHC before graduating, and 700 employers of…

Although apprenticeship used to be viewed as academically questionable, today many educators consider it an ideal vehicle for the work-based learning necessary for the school-to-work transition. In particular, youth apprenticeships are seen as having potential to minimize youth floundering in the labor market, ensure educative work experiences,…

This annual report addresses the key achievements of and financial and service performance evaluations for Whitireia Community Polytechnic (New Zealand) for the year 2000. One key achievement highlighted in the report included the target student completion rate being 76%, while the actual completion rate was 83%. Every program was surveyed for…

Although public policy debate centers on education and training (ET) as a primary determinant of economic success, this study suggests that instead the economy determines patterns of participation in education and training. Research over time shows that planned government ET policies have little ability to affect the economy because the effects of…

Describes a study to determine the effectiveness of six community college occupational programs based on the perceptions of students nearing graduation, graduates, and employers. Major study components were the relationship between enrollment objectives and postgraduation activities, satisfaction with programs, and job preparedness and placement…

These five papers are from a symposium facilitated by Ronald L. Jacobs on financial analysis of human resource development (HRD) at the 1995 Academy of Human Resource Development conference. "Return on Investment--Beyond the Four Levels!" (Jack J. Phillips) offers a modification of the Kirkpatrick model of evaluation for HRD in…

These four papers are from a symposium facilitated by Gene Roth on research centers at the 1995 Academy of Human Resource Development (HRD) conference. "Research: The Thin Blue Line between Rigor and Reality" (Michael Leimbach) discusses the need for HRD research to increase its speed and rigor and help organizations focus on capability…

Regents College of the University of the State of New York (USNY) offers nursing degree programs that are self-paced and accessible for adult learners. Students receive guided independent study in the form of advisement and degree planning, but learning course content is the responsibility of the student. An evaluation of the program was conducted…