The 2023 Illinois Career and Technical Education Report is submitted in compliance with Illinois School Code 105 ILCS 435/2e, which requires a written career and technical education (CTE) report to be issued to the governor annually. This report describes the establishment of and delivery of CTE in Illinois, the existing condition of Illinois CTE…

This report describes the establishment of and delivery of Illinois Career and Technical Education (CTE), the existing condition of Illinois CTE based on fiscal year 2022 data, and the future developments and recommendations for CTE in our state as required by Illinois School Code 105 ILCS 435/2e. Further, this report provides an update on police…

This brief summarizes findings from implementation, impact, and cost-benefit evaluations of Accelerating Opportunity (AO). AO is a career pathways initiative launched in 2011 that aims to help adults with low basic skills earn valued occupational credentials, obtain well-paying jobs, and sustain rewarding careers. AO was one of the first efforts…

There is currently more focus than ever on the importance of earning a college degree. At the same time, many students and parents are dubious that America's expensive, one-size-fits-all higher education system can adequately educate students for an ever more diverse and sophisticated world of work. There are other educational options that are…

Accelerating Opportunity (AO) combined integrated career pathways at two-year colleges with team teaching, acceleration strategies, supportive services, and policy changes. It aimed to help low-skilled adults earn occupational credentials, obtain well-paying jobs, and sustain rewarding careers. This final implementation report documents activities…

The intent of this study was to address the process of selection of an appropriate training setting based upon criteria being used by employers and educators in Illinois who plan for the vocational education of handicapped persons. Study 1, a pretest of the questionnaire, quantified the criteria for determining the better approach for training…

This article summarizes the results of a study to determine employers' hiring preferences for vocationally trained individuals, and illustrates the use of these data to more accurately estimate job openings. (Author)

To provide quality vocational education, rural schools must solve five problems that confront all secondary providers: (1) dealing with technological change, (2) cooperating within districts, (3) addressing market demands, (4) conserving resources, and (5) expanding employer input. Solutions include collaboration and special approaches to distance…

A follow-up study investigated what happened to recommendations made as a result of a formal study of coordination between Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) and vocational education programs in Illinois. Questionnaires listing the nine recommendations were sent to staff of the 26 service delivery areas (20 respondents), staff of the 61 regional…

TO MEET THE NEEDS OF YOUNG MENTALLY RETARDED ADULTS FOR VOCATIONAL SERVICES, THE KENNEDY JOB TRAINING CENTER WAS ESTABLISHED AT THE DAY AND RESIDENTIAL KENNEDY SCHOOL FOR EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN. THE PROJECT WAS DESIGNED TO PREPARE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS FOR WORK IN THE COMMUNITY AND TO UTILIZE AND STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY RESOURCES. A SHELTERED…

This 2-year programmatic plan for the training and development of library assistants was prompted by the recent abundance of research information and the shortage of resource personnel to assist in the processing and handling of the resulting output. The guide provides a suggested curriculum plan, course outlines accompanied by texts and reference…

The authors describe the state-sponsored Illinois Vocational Instructor Practicum. This program provides financial support for teachers to spend up to eight weeks in a private sector position, allowing them to update their work when they return to the vocational education classroom. (CH)

Alternative schools in public school districts and private institutions offer a choice of more than one educational option to students. These schools usually have some of the following characteristics: voluntary participation, distinctiveness, nonexclusiveness, comprehensive objectives, and a supportive learning environment. Instructional styles…

This report explores the organization and administration of the education for employment delivery system in Illinois. Problems central to service delivery in Illinois are identified in such key areas as intake, assessment and follow-up practices, gaps in services and duplicative services and regional and local planning boundaries. Legislative…

This report highlights the involvement of Illinois public community colleges in preparing individuals for employment, including instruction and services offered to students and businesses. After providing an overview of the state's community college system, the report describes the following components and aspects of employment preparation: (1)…