To boost the existence of career-learning environments in Dutch vocational education, the innovation project 'Career Orientation and Guidance (COG) in Secondary Vocational Education' started in 2012. In this article, we describe the effects of this project on the level of policy formulation and implementation by means of three case studies. Data…

This brief, the ninth in a series, explores issues and promising practices in paving career and technical education (CTE) pathways to high-STEM occupations--a key piece of the STEM college and career readiness puzzle. Other briefs focus on related parts of the puzzle, such as the role that math and science standards play in students' college and…

Describes a program to phase a special needs student into the vocational training program and later to make a transition to community-based placements. A class in reprographics is used as an example. Discusses curriculum and student placement and follow-up. (CT)

By the ninth grade, students should have a grounding in career exploration and be ready to take a more serious look at their options, according to school counseling professionals. Ninth graders can undertake interest and value assessments and match results with potential occupations. (JOW)

The histories of two alternative programs are compared. Considered a main factor in one program's success is a high level of administrative support; among problems causing the demise of the other are failure to involve the developing committee in the program's implementation and changing the program's emphasis and the students targeted. (MJL)

Vocational student organizations (VSOs) enhance career- and technical-education programs for many students. Learning leadership skills and participating in community service and career-exploration opportunities are some of the reasons students gravitate to these groups. (JOW)

Agricultural cooperative training programs are seen as a means of helping high school students gain knowledge about their abilities, interests, and job opportunities by providing them with a variety of opportunities to explore different careers. (LH)

The "sorting out" function of the school system is examined with reference to "special" students in occupational or vocational programs at the junior secondary school level. Evaluation of junior secondary special education programs in Canada and the United States indicates the shortcomings of junior secondary "special" education programs. (Author)

At Woodland High School (California), Career Opportunity Paths in Education integrates academic education with a strong focus on career exploration and guidance. Six career paths or clusters of courses provide essential skills for immediate employment or post-high school education. (SK)

Includes "Make a Tool of the Rules" (Gary Hoachlander); "One Size Fits All?"; "How Assessment Measures Up"; and "Choosing the Right Test" (Susan Skripac Camp). (JOW)

The guide, developed by the Secondary Transition and Employment Project (STEP) in Idaho, is intended to provide students with mild handicaps with systematic individual assessment of vocational preferences and instruction in work-related skills. The curriculum stresses parent involvement, vocational training beginning at the 7th or 8th grade…

The career exploration learning needs of vocational agriculture students in grades 7 through 10 are felt to be met through the development and use of packaged agricultural experiences. (LH)

Scottsdale (Arizona) Unified School System's Vocational/Career Assessment Program encompasses work evaluation, career/self-awareness, occupational exploration, and career guidance to assist counselors, teachers, parents, and students in the student's decision-making and career planning processes. (SK)

There is a need to expand vocational education's role in secondary education to include (1) career awareness and exploration, (2) provision of vocational skills to nonvocational majors, and (3) provision of skills necessary for productive use of leisure time. (SK)

The development of a personalized educational plan should be based on career and personal goals formulated and clarified through career exploration experiences. The eighth grade is a decision point at which students need to be aware of blocks of courses that require 4 years to complete; decisions must be confirmed at the 10th-grade level. However,…