A series of eight videoconferences was designed to help educational professionals improve schools by applying knowledge gained from research. During the videoconference programs, which are transmitted by satellite to facilities with receiving capacity, viewers can interact by telephone with the program presenters. Each program covers a specific topic and each has a "content partner" (a learning center, institute, teachers' association or other group) that supplies expertise in the program area. The format of the program involves the presentation of two stories depicting classrooms or communities that have successfully integrated research with practice, and a question-and-answer session with the studio audience and remote viewers. In this document, a review of research on the transition from school to work is followed by an overview of the seventh program in the series, which covers the topic of preparing students to enter the work force. In this program, the first story describes the implementation of a program in Appleton, Wisconsin, which is designed to provide students with academic knowledge and technical skills to broaden their occupational options. The second story illustrates the use of the efficacy approach, a set of principles designed to develop confidence and a work ethic in individuals. This story shows the implementation of these principles in schools in Detroit, and a training session in Chicago for volunteers who use the efficacy approach to help students. A series of follow-up activities relevant to the topic of preparing students to enter the work force is described. Additional materials include biographical information on videoconference participants, a list of resources on school-to-work transition, a glossary of terms, and a reference list of 38 items. (BC)