Career-connected learning is an educational strategy that combines high-quality academic instruction, skill-based learning, and real-world experiences to prepare students with the knowledge and skills that they need to pursue their career goals. Career-connected learning is especially important for an often-overlooked group of students including…

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the way that families and policymakers view K-12 education. Learning loss is having an outsized impact on students who were furthest from opportunity before the pandemic. And families are increasingly looking for new educational options for their children. For decades, access to educational options…

State policymakers are in a unique position to enable the innovations in education necessary to prepare students for a rapidly changing world. Working with 8,000 educators nationwide, the Aurora Institute identified the top 10 issues to address in state policy for transforming the K-12 education system: (1) Profile of a Graduate; (2) Innovation…

When the nation shut down in March because of the COVID-19 pandemic, states had to figure out what education would look like for the remainder of the academic year. These abrupt changes affected not only students' ability to learn but also their access to the support system that would help prepare them for steps beyond high school. This Policy…

Two studies were undertaken to determine the extent to which 1992-93 Future Farmers of America (FFA; n=266) and 4-H members (n=234) in Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico participated in leadership development activities. Over 100 FFA members participated in 12 leadership activities, and over 100 senior 4-H members participated in 10 leadership…

A baseline study of Arizona public school counselors ascertained the amount of time they spent individually with students and the nature of the counseling provided; it also measured their opinions and attitudes toward school-to-work (STW). Surveys were mailed to every Arizona high school and junior high/middle school, a random sample of elementary…

A group of secondary agriculture students participated in a study to analyze their preferred learning styles. Results indicate that most of the students preferred active, practical, observation-centered learning. Results also indicate that grade level and gender influence learning style. (CH)

Describes a partnership between two high schools and community housing organizations in two small towns in rural Arizona that is resulting in the transformation of substandard homes in older neighborhoods for low income residents. (JOW)

A study examined implementation of the Arizona Vocational Technological Education Curriculum Model, which outlines a comprehensive instructional framework to prepare students for higher education, on-the-job training, and the world of work. A questionnaire customized for each of Arizona's 172 schools with 1 or more state-approved…

Recounts the formation of new policies for vocational education that have been legislated in Arizona. (SK)

The author reports results from a 10-year study of vocational agriculture program completers in Arizona. Data are presented on employment status, employment in agriculture or related fields, postsecondary education, and reenrollment. Results indicate that former students value their vocational agriculture experience very highly. (CH)

This publication reports a study of business/education partnerships that have evolved in Arizona. Chapter 1 is a brief introduction. Chapter 2 discusses related literature concerning incentives and disincentives for business and educational involvement. Chapter 3 presents descriptions of model partnership projects--nine high school, seven…

This guide is intended (1) to facilitate individualized planning for students to ensure that their education is as appropriate as possible and to give them relevance for the work they do in school; and (2) to aid communication among staff members, parents, and students by establishing a planning process. This guide leads the counselors, teachers,…

The descriptive guide to career education in Arizona elementary and secondary schools briefly covers each of the following topics: the relationship between career education and the three R's, highlights of a summative evaluation of two career education projects in southern Arizona, community involvement in career education, career education's…

Three brochures provide basic information and resources on post-high school options for students with disabilities. The first brochure (Becky Raabe) developed in March 2000, explores college and university options. After listing prominent individuals whose disabilities did not stop them from continuing their education, information is provided on…