This paper revisits the Macfarlane Report of 1980, the first draft of which recommended the dissolution of school sixth forms, sixth form colleges and other providers of post-compulsory education and training, and the establishment of a national system of tertiary colleges across England -- a programme of reform which would effectively have…

The philosophical debate on educational justice currently focusses on the Anglo-American situation. This essay brings in an additional perspective. It provides a justice-oriented critique of the segregated education systems in German-speaking countries. First, arguments that are commonly put forward in favour of these systems are rejected. Second,…

Throughout the history of education different conceptions have been developed about the role and the function that education has in society as a whole. Such conceptions have been constructed around different discourses that show underlying social conflicts. The different educational practices acquire their legitimacy through such discourses, which…

Without structured guidance activities, students may drift through high school without learning about all of the career opportunities available and without gaining the skills that can help them take advantage of those opportunities. They may also be in danger of failing to continue on to postsecondary education, or even worse, of dropping out of…

Between 1998 and 2002 an estimated 250 mentoring programmes were started in Dutch secondary vocational education in order to decrease motivational problems and drop-out rates, especially among youngsters from ethnic minorities. Currently there are only two schools in secondary vocational education that include mentoring as part and parcel of their…

Explains a comprehensive curriculum as a means to introduce youngsters to a wide extent of knowledge and experience. Discusses problems regarding vocational education: (1) it must become integrated with rest of curriculum; (2) it must avoid being only a means of tracking students, and (3) it must direct students' attention to whole question of…

Argues that vocational education is becoming more popular in high schools and gives several reasons why it deserves a place in the comprehensive high school as a way of diminishing the effects of race and class on the achievement of youth. (SK)

In Sycamore, Illinois, preparing students for work in the agriculture-dominated economy is a natural part of education. The quality of the vocational program is determined by the level of involvement of those outside the agriculture department and in the community. (SK)

There is ample evidence that the structural characteristics of American secondary education are not well suited to vocational education. The solution may require a redesign of the structure of secondary schools, especially their governance. (SK)

Lists the attributes of quality vocational education programs: depth of instruction, closeness to industry, and response to labor market demands. Indicates why it is difficult for comprehensive high schools to offer high quality programs, due to size of enrollment, administrative leadership, and personnel policy. (SK)

Examines recent attempts to restructure French secondary schooling in order to provide equal opportunity and more relevant curriculum. Discusses some impediments to these reforms, particularly the opposition of teachers and their unions. (SJL)

To meet future needs, secondary vocational education must shift from job-specific training and concentrate on producing literate workers with versatile mathematics and language skills. It should be responsive to individual needs, interests, desires, and abilities to ensure that they are addressed with maximum articulation and interface with…

In European countries, postcompulsory general education programs leading to higher education have traditionally been separate from vocational training programs leading to employment. Recent reforms have led to cooperation and sometimes integration between general and vocational programs and their school-leaving certificates. (KS)

Analyzes data on racial and sex differences in vocational education enrollments and wage and employment opportunities for vocational education graduates. Examines variations in vocational education program quality in urban districts and suggests that programs in centralized facilities are of higher quality than those in the comprehensive high…

The booklet contains 18 articles, essentially journalistic efforts topically organized according to the categories overview, research, education, human growth and development, and support, which describe the Mountain-Plains Program, a regional program in comprehensive family career education in Montana. Article titles and their authors are:…