The "Curriculum Integrator" designed to give teachers a framework for integrating vocational and academic curricula. Steps include: (1) establish a design team, (2) identify career clusters, (3) identify standards, (4) apply standards, (5) apply assessment strategies, (6) use standards for redesign, (7) develop an implementation plan, and (8)…

Interviews with 109 individuals gathered data about specific events teachers experienced as they implemented integration projects. Findings indicated that teachers experience three stages of growth: (1) learning about each other; (2) curriculum strategies; and (3) instructional strategies. (JOW)

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…

This study investigated selected problem areas in student teaching experienced by teachers of academic and nonacademic subjects. The Student Teacher Problems Inventory (STPI) was administered to 270 secondary education student teachers in the last week of their student teaching experience. The mean scores for each of the problem areas were…

Asserts that while enrollment in academic courses has increased since "A Nation at Risk" report, academic achievement as measured by national and international mathematics and science exams has remained unchanged. Suggests that divergence between increased enrollment and test scores is due to watered-down curriculum and course materials.…

Reviews some of the qualities that theater studies and production experience contribute to a student's education. Suggests that theater students learn to enjoy the learning process, engage in active (not passive) learning, learn creative expression and problem solving, and learn self-discipline and leadership skills. (SR)

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…

Argues that reading popular literature is justified as a means when reading good literature is the end. (RB)

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,…

Shows what it was like for the author to move from teaching in a secondary school in Victoria, Australia to tutoring English for Academic Purposes in a university in London. Concludes that her identity as an English teacher had a new dimension--she had really entered into the world of both Academic English and Higher Education. (SG)

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)

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)

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)

In the Australian state of Victoria, vocational education and training have been integrated in secondary schools with largely successful employment and postsecondary outcomes. However, changing the academic, college-preparatory culture and attitudes will take more time. (SK)