A study examined the relationship between students' vocational and nonvocational experiences while in high school and their decision to drop out. The study was based on data from the sophomore cohort of the High School and Beyond database (a longitudinal, nationally representative sample of approximately 27,000 students who were sophomores in 1980…

A study explored the policy process that led to the development and implementation of the Virginia Student Retention Program (VSRP--a program to facilite minority student recruitment and retention projects at Virginia colleges and universities), and examined perceived institutional impacts. The study attempted to determine whether the VSRP and the…

Decision-making and change models can take many forms. One researcher (Nordvall, 1982) has suggested five conceptual models for introducing change: a political model; a rational decision-making model; a social interaction decision model; the problem-solving method; and an adaptive/linkage model which is an amalgam of each of the other models.…

Vocational educators and special needs personnel face many challenges as they address the educational needs of urban youth and update vocational programs in large inner city school districts. Vocational education programs must take a holistic approach to meet the needs of a wide range of disadvantaged students. Demographic projections of increased…

A study investigated the use of classroom strategies to improve students' attitudes about language study while improving their practical use of the language. Secondary school students of Spanish completed an interest survey, and then were involved in language class activities including writing paragraphs, watching a recorded television show,…

This document aims to help agencies adapt to supported employment by considering how to manage both the timing and the processes used in facilitating change. It provides a systematic evaluation of the administration of supported employment. Supported employment administration is compared to administration of traditional vocational rehabilitation…

Since 1982-83, Spencerport Central School District (New York) has conducted a project to improve the educational program and student learning in each building of the district. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the project, focusing on five elementary schools. The project's goal for each building is that at least 95 percent of all…

A 13-part television series called "Freestyle" was designed to see if stereotypes about women and work could be changed and was targeted at fourth- through sixth-graders. "Freestyle's" effects were evaluated among more than 7,000 children in 7 cities who completed identical pre- and post-measures assessing sex-role beliefs,…

Current concern over the link between the teaching of foreign languages and cultures is itself an American cultural concern, born of a specifically American educational tradition focusing on utility, democracy, and scientific measures of progress. State guidelines for integration of the teaching of languages and culture reflect the following…

This chapter of "Principles of School Business Management" analyzes three aspects of economic change that could have a profound impact on educational finance in the future. The chapter begins with an introductory review of recent economic history and its reflection in social agendas for education. The causes of the current lack of discretionary…

Education of the children of migrant workers in Europe is addressed in terms of interculturalism and teacher training. This report is the cornerstone of the experts' work; it not only sums up a number of case studies, but also discusses the subject of intercultural education and presents the guidelines that experts have followed and on which their…

Results of a survey of residential students at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, are presented, along with recommendations based on the findings. The Student Housing Evaluation was designed to assess student attitudes about the university's housing policy, facilities, and staff. The 610 respondents (46% response rate) consisted of a…

A model was developed out of a need to help women move toward a more authentic existence. It was intended to help women go beyond the level of awareness in their present quest for self-determination, to make full use of their lives, to challenge their capabilities, and to reach for new horizons. The model involves both an unlearning and a…

This learning unit on leading change is one in the Choice Series, a self-learning development program for supervisors. Purpose stated for the approximately eight-hour-long unit is to enable the supervisor to recognize the need for change, adapt to change in the work area, help the workteam adapt to change, and assess the best ways to effect…

Thirteen of 14 secondary schools increased their educational effectiveness by participating in a long-term, 12-step change process with two significant features: several measures were applied to develop a picture of each school's effectiveness, and student involvement in the process was considered essential. Schools were categorized by…