A study examined factors influencing cooperative relationships between educational institutions and employers. An historical analysis of the role of schooling over time (approximately 600 B.C. until post-World War II) in relation to preparing persons for work was conducted. The influences of current pressures, policies, and practices affecting schooling as preparation for work was also studied. The major portion of the study involved four different research efforts in Central Ohio to gather data on relationships between educational institutions and employers. Two involved collecting information from employers--using Emerging Occupations Research (EOR) and Employer Association Survey (EAS)--and two from educators--using Survey of School Officials (SSO) and Values Survey (VS). The EOR revealed a high degree of agreement with the idea that coordination between employers and educators is needed and useful. The EAS indicated that employers are relatively well satisfied with schools and appear willing to work with educators. The SSO indicated a positive educator attitude toward cooperating with business/industry. The VS identified values students and teachers believed a good employee would rank highest. Innovative processes to link education and employment were also determined, including cooperative activities, the National Manpower Institute, industry-initiated cooperation, professional associations, and occupational information. (YLB)