In the UK there has historically been a clear demarcation between the academic and vocational routes through education post-16. Generally vocational study is taken either on a part time basis or full time at Further Education (FE) colleges. Students who want to take academic qualifications such as A levels have the option to enrol in a school…

This study examined the relationship between state policies mandating increased mathematics credits for high school graduation and access to postsecondary education. The purpose of this study was to determine if the state policy intervention of increasing high school mathematics requirements was related to a higher likelihood that students would…

This study examined the longitudinal effects of 2 first-grade universal preventive interventions on academic outcomes (e.g., achievement, special education service use, graduation, postsecondary education) through age 19 in a sample of 678 urban, primarily African American children. The classroom-centered intervention combined the Good Behavior…

The dilemma of providing effective education particularly in developing countries with limited resources and ambiguous calculations of rates of return due to unstable economies and labour market fluctuations makes it an absolute necessity to consider costs and benefits associated both with academic and vocational education. Through argumentation…

The impact of vocational education on the recidivism rate of adjudicated youth (n=403) in Colorado followed up 5 years after incarceration was studied. The recidivism rate was significantly lower for those receiving vocational education and significantly higher for those who participated only in academic education. (JOW)

Discusses the negative impacts of academic and vocational tracking. Academic consequences include (1) limiting access to knowledge, (2) differing instructional quality, (3) differing student outcomes, and (4) curricula inequality. Suggests new goals and new curricula to improve education for all students. (CH)

What is considered legitimate learning is culturally and contextually specific, depending on what values are involved. Different values are engaged depending on whether legitimate learning is considered transformation of the individual in relation to self, in relation to society, or in relation to the workplace. (SK)

A synthesis of research findings demonstrates the positive effects of vocational-technical education on skills, abilities, work habits, and employment outcomes such as salaries and employment rate. (SK)

Occupational students constitute the majority of enrollments at community colleges. Moreover, over the last 15 years, the ''vocationalization'' of the community college has been one of the most controversial trends in higher education. However, little is known about how the educational experiences of occupational students compare to those of…

A research study compared graduates of career magnet programs to graduates of comprehensive high schools in a large metropolitan area. The career magnet programs studied are located either within regular comprehensive high schools or combined with other magnet programs to fill an entire building. Research was conducted through school records of…

A study sought to determine the relationship between vocational course taking and academic achievement as measured by the 1990 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Analysis of the data measured by the NAEP shows a consistent inverse relationship between vocational course taking and NAEP assessment scores. The relationship holds for…

Comparison of 52 British managers who completed National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) and 104 with academic management qualifications showed both groups developed similar competence. The academic group was higher in written/numerical ability and the NVQ group was higher in team management. NVQs appear to develop general skills and personal…

Transcripts and a survey from college prep graduates of public high schools showed 46% did not graduate with academically competitive credentials. Of these students, 51% completed three years of math, 62% went no higher than biology, average Scholastic Aptitude Test scores were 754. They were more likely to attend community or technical college,…

A study examined the effects of increased academic requirements for high school graduation on enrollment trends in public secondary vocational education programs in Washington since 1983. Vocational directors of 211 school districts that had increased graduation requirements since 1983 were surveyed through questionnaires. Results indicated that…

Suggests that the perspectives developed by humanities as part of education in science, technology, and medicine can offer enrichment in ways that lead to both use and delight. Sketches some activities at the Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine (ICSTM) in London concerned with liberal education and describes some of the…