In this article, the authors report the results of two studies examining the participation rates of Latino students in postsecondary technical education (CTE) programs in community colleges and two-year proprietary institutions in the United States in 1994 and 2000. It is believed that the quality of the future U.S. Labor market will depend, to a…

In an effort to identify, categorize, and prioritize the research needs facing Tech Prep Teacher Education over the next 10 years, a study was conducted of a selected sample of nationally recognized experts in Tech Prep. A three-round Delphi survey approach was used to generate responses and achieve consensus among the experts. The first…

A study was conducted in 1994 to identify, categorize, and prioritize research needs for improving teacher education related to the vocational education initiative of Tech Prep over the next 10 years. First, questionnaires were sent to experts in the field of Tech Prep, seeking a sample of needs and priorities. Responses were received from 33…

Minorities and women are underrepresented in community college leadership as well as executive and administrative positions in corporations. Because these groups comprise 50% of the work force, it is essential that diversity in education and business leadership be cultivated. (SK)

A study was undertaken to determine differences among personal, situational, and outcome characteristics of students in Pennsylvania community colleges and two-year proprietary institutions and the nature of and differences in gender in both types of institutions. Phase 2 of three involved surveying a sample of students currently enrolled in…

Characteristics of students in 15 Pennsylvania community colleges (n=704) and 16 two-year proprietary colleges (n=317) were compared. In both groups, technical students were overwhelmingly white; the community colleges' population was 69.5% male, 30.5% female; in proprietary schools, 43.2% male, 56.8% female. Females had higher grade point…

Discusses the background and purpose of 1994's School-to-Work Opportunities Act (STWOA). Focuses on the implementation of STWOA's three components (i.e., school-based learning, work-based learning, and connecting activities), highlighting the role of tech prep in joining school- and work-based instruction. Argues that community colleges are…

Records of 4,753 four-year university students showed that 30.5% transferred from technical college programs and 69.5% from other colleges. Transfer students were considerably diverse and had definite employment expectations. A majority worked full or part time and had "sat out" at least one year before transferring. (SK)

Summarizes the ways in which the Education Pilot Criteria for the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award were adapted for use in institutional self-assessment. Presents the perceptions of academic deans in the North Carolina Community College System regarding current and future applications of continuous quality improvement principles in the…

Examines the status of Tech Prep in the North Carolina Community College System and compares the attitudes of senior administrators and faculty toward Tech Prep programs. Discusses four research questions regarding college and faculty involvement in Tech Prep and finds that, in most cases, it has not yet made substantial changes within community…

Focusing on the role of community colleges in implementing the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994, the 12 essays in this volume describe strategies and practices developed by colleges to address the provisions of the Act and help develop a global workforce. The following articles are provided: "Assessing the Community College Role in…