What are the forces that will continue to shape the U.S. workforce and workplace over the next 10 to 15 years? With such inevitabilities as the proliferation and acceleration of technology worldwide, will more individuals work at home, will more businesses outsource their noncore functions -- and with what consequences? Answering such questions…

This report describes some economic development efforts of the 32 tribal colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. Although the data needed for a comprehensive analysis of the economic impact of tribal colleges are not available, the report argues that the colleges affect local community development on many levels. Specific data…

This strategic plan for the University of Hawaii Community Colleges includes a contextual study, supported by data from the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education (NCPPHE). Statistics include: (1) Hawaii ranked with the top states in high school completion (93%), but 18-24 year olds enrolling in college in the top states was 42%,…

Discusses the role of the Secretary of Labor's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS). In light of the gap in workforce skills constraining economic growth, urges ongoing dialogue between schools and businesses, and emphasizes the need for more appropriate continuing education programs for workers. Cites examples of successful programs.…

As American educators struggle to meet the unprecedented challenge of preparing all students to master the skills embodied in state learning standards, some wonder whether their efforts make economic sense. After all, the newspapers are full of reports of jobs being outsourced to lower-wage countries and jobs being done by computers. If more and…

A partnership among the Texas Education Agency, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and the Texas Department of Commerce was formed in 1987 to challenge representatives from education, training, business, industry, and labor to adopt a cooperative regional view of common needs and proposed solutions. As a result, 24 Quality Work Force…

Contending that the nation's community colleges should improve the training of future workers by building a national job training program based on successful components already in existence, this paper reviews seven monographs published by the National Council for Occupational Education (NCOE) since 1985 which identify, highlight, or address…

This report focuses on the role Southern philanthropy can play in addressing racism, poverty, and inequality by supporting education and workforce improvement. "Framing the Conversation" takes input from George Autry (MDC), William Bynum (Enterprise Corporation of the Delta), Lynn Walker Huntley (Southern Education Foundation), and…

The economic upswing in Central and Eastern Europe can be achieved only with a skilled work force. In view of the traditional exemplary reputation of its dual system of vocational training, attention is being directed toward Germany. The dual system differs from that of other countries in that not only the state determines which qualifications may…

The countries of the European Community represent a commitment to European economic and political unity as part of a trend toward the globalization of the world's economic life. Economic, social, and political challenges are bound up in economic competitiveness. Countries are examining human resource issues in order to compete for the world…

Unlike those of several of it major economic competitors, the U.S. system of preparation for work stresses educational attainment rather than qualitative standards or occupationally specific assessments of knowledge or skills. The resultant emphasis on longer education produces a more qualified work force, but the quest for longer schooling has…

This report provides presentations from a seminar attended by delegates from all the European Community and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries to discuss policy planning for education and training. "The European Skill Gap--Introductory Comments" (Abrahamsson, Henriksson) provides an overview of the seminar and topics…

The Productive American Project was initiated by the National Council for Occupational Education to explore human resource issues related to productivity and competitiveness, and the role of two-year colleges in human resource development. The results of this project are presented in two reports. The first monograph provides a discussion of…

A discussion of language policy making and its place in a nation's economic and social development uses Australia's experience as a case study. In particular, it reviews the factors such as multiculturalism and international relations that have led to the development of a national language policy, and examines the interim documents and the…

The planning and implementation of vocational training in Singapore (training primarily intended for school-leavers) is highly directed toward serving labor force development objectives. This paper explains the vocational training infrastructure (a national system, the conduct of which is vested in the Vocational and Industrial Training Board),…