Research into guidance efforts that successfully integrate basic skills into vocational education programs indicates that counselors play a key role in helping students gain the new basic skills. Their roles will have an impact on students and on the field of vocational education. (JOW)

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)

Service learning is a form of experiential learning; students participate in projects that serve unmet community needs and facilitate classroom learning. Providing well-developed service-learning opportunities in school gives young people a chance to develop personally, interpersonally, and academically. Reflection and interpersonal interactions…

Learning language arts skills in connection with all other subjects helps to prepare students for the real world of work and higher education. Collaborative efforts of academic and technical instructors can result in meaningful improvements in students' communication skills. (JOW)

A study included interviews with 161 secondary agriculture teachers and 100 students, a survey (n=406), and focus groups. One-quarter of the teachers incorporated aquaculture; most who integrated curricula worked with science teachers. Students believed aquaculture enhanced their math and science performance and increased relevance. (SK)

Examines some of the social, cultural and political factors in Israel which affect the direction of change or obstruct change in the secondary school system. Poses the question as to whether changes more extensive than those already observed are imminent in secondary education as a result of social and other input. (Author/RK)

In Israel, academic track placement enhances eligibility for higher education of all but the least able students. Vocational track placement inhibits Sephardims' already low likelihood of receiving higher education. (CMG)

Reports on parental concerns and misconceptions regarding the federal school-to-work initiative, such as the following: it is too soon for students to select career paths; the government is infringing on local autonomy; college is the best path; and it is an adaptation of a socialist model. (SK)

Describes three approaches to integration of academic and vocational education and discusses how schools can move toward this concept. The approaches are (1) integrating academic and vocational coursework; (2) the academy model; and (3) occupational clusters and career paths. (JOW)

Describes how a vocational-technical center in a poor county in Michigan was transformed with an integrated program that ensures four provisions for all learners: (1) involvement in applying academic skills with occupational skills; (2) expanded opportunities to develop employability skills; (3) linkages with business, industry, and community…

Delaware vocational-technical school districts were united to create a system of full-time, comprehensive vocational schools, the first in the United States. Each of five schools offers a comprehensive educational program and has considerable autonomy to reflect its unique situation. (JOW)

Technology education should be an integral part of rigorous college preparatory programs. This will require changing attitudes of the academic community as well as achieving professional consensus on the purpose of technology education. (SK)

Explains how to integrate applied academics (communications, mathematics, computer applications) into accounting so that students can see the bridge develop between subjects as well as with the real world. (Author)

Examines the relationship between general knowledge, skills in applying reading strategies, and reading comprehension for ninth-grade students in Israel at varying educational levels: academic, semi-academic, vocational and learning disabilities. Reveals differential contributions of general knowledge and strategy application to reading…