Responses from 639 Illinois high schools and vocational centers (96%) indicated that 55% used integration strategies for vocational and academic education; 80% conducted integration-related staff development. However, only 32% give academic credit for vocational courses and most of the strategies used were low level. (SK)

Survey responses from 47 of 49 Illinois community colleges and interviews with 20 staff show that the predominant approach to academic-vocational integration is applied academics. Less evident are multidisciplinary courses, linked or cluster courses, and learning communities. Many barriers result from the long-standing separation of vocational and…

A pilot study (first phase of a 2-year study) was conducted to identify individual teachers who had begun integrating academic and vocational education before the development of state or national integration initiatives such as tech prep. The teachers were identified through a procedure involving nominations of exemplary vocational education…

Quality Assurance Program (QAP) integration activities were studied at eight Illinois community and junior colleges. Data collection involved telephone interviews with career deans at the colleges, 11 follow-up site observations, and attendance at a regional vocational education system directors meeting. When classroom observations occurred,…

The goal of an articulated secondary/postsecondary tech prep project was to develop a model curriculum to prepare students to enter a postsecondary program leading to an associate of applied science degree. Continuing study at a four-year university would also be an option. Six schools participated as tech prep sites. Each site formed a team…

The Illinois Council on Vocational Education polled members of local school boards and administrators on their perceptions of vocational-technical education and business community participation in school programs and planning. The poll included surveys, discussions, and interviews. Two hundred eighty-three questionnaires were completed. At least…

The Illinois Council on Vocational Education (ICOVE) has tried to influence educational policy in recent years. Members of the council met with the chief executive officers of the three educational boards in Illinois to discuss issues and pending policies paramount within the educational arena. ICOVE also met with members of the various education…

This report contains 51 one-page abstracts of innovative Illinois tech prep programs that integrate academic and vocational education. Each abstract includes the following: curriculum areas, grade level, types of students for whom the program is appropriate, materials needed, suggested resources, a contact person with address and telephone number,…

The Illinois Council on Vocational Education (ICoVE) launched a statewide study in 1990 to understand the perspectives of business and labor on what vocational education can do to prepare the work force with the skills necessary for the future. The study was designed to build new public-private partnerships. It included a survey of businesses and…