ERIC Number: ED285996
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1987-Jun-30
Pages: 36
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
A Project To Increase the Awareness and Potential of Nontraditional Careers and To Eliminate Disproportionate Enrollment in Vocational Education Programs throughout the System. Final Report from July 1, 1986 to June 30, 1987.
Zylinski, Annette; Wagner, Russell
A project was conducted in Broward County, Florida, to help students ranging in age from 14 to 25 to become more openminded in regard to career options for women and to encourage them to participate in nontraditional vocational programs. Because of their generally accepted openmindedness, students in middle schools received additional emphasis. The plan attempted to inform and educate students, teachers, administrators, parents, and the public on the adverse effects of sex stereotyping, as well as the advantages of nontraditional careers through vocational education. The marketing plan included brochures, video presentations, speakers, films, posters, and personal contact. Another aspect of this project consisted of meetings with guidance representatives from 19 county middle and high schools to obtain their support in reducing disproportionate enrollments in vocational programs at both high school and postsecondary levels. During school presentations, 1,953 students were given a pretest and a posttest on their attitudes regarding sex equity. Tests, videos, brochures, and guest speakers were used to inform students of the advantages and potential in nontraditional careers. The posttest revealed that middle school students are more likely to change their attitudes than are high school students. The overall results were most encouraging in that only a very small percentage of those tested retained stereotypical thinking and sex biases after the presentation. The project found that instructional materials can be a major factor in promoting sex equity. Recommendations were made for instruction that stresses elimination of sex biases for all students and training for all school personnel in sex equity issues. (Appendices comprising about half the document include brochures, pretest, posttest, advisory committee materials, and enrollment data.) (KC)
Descriptors: Attitude Change, Career Awareness, Career Choice, Information Dissemination, Instructional Materials, Middle Schools, Nontraditional Occupations, Postsecondary Education, Program Effectiveness, Program Implementation, Public Relations, Publicity, Secondary Education, Sex Bias, Sex Fairness, Sex Stereotypes, Teaching Methods, Vocational Education
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Practitioners
Language: English
Sponsor: Florida State Dept. of Education, Tallahassee. Div. of Vocational, Adult, and Community Education.
Authoring Institution: Broward County School Board, Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Identifiers - Location: Florida
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A