Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey, the article discusses a study to compare effects of high school tracking in two versions of a status-attainment model--one using students' track perceptions and the other using their actual tracks (taken from school records). Findings indicated that students often misperceive their tracks.…

Compares employers' stated needs for entry-level workers possessing better academic skills with their training programs and hiring practices to supposedly meet this need. Discovers a dichotomy between the stated needs and the corrective practice. Most remedial training emphasizes short-term job skills and hiring practices do not reward academic…

Examines whether youths use different ways to contact employers and whether their methods affect their job earnings. Reveals that most types of contacts have little effect on early earnings, but relatives and school contacts place students in jobs that lead to higher earnings nine years later. (Contains 52 references.) (CMK)