Explores how modernist paradigms (empiricism, rationalism, positivism, humanism, and critical theory) have shaped postcompulsory education. Suggests the potential influence of postmodernism in terms of critiquing modernist views and developing future education and training systems. (SK)

Competency-based training tends to a control model of curriculum organization. However, although practitioners may use formal processes (standards, modules), they maintain their own professional knowledge and embedded skill. The question remains whose knowledge, standards, and skills are empowered in a competency-based approach to vocational…

Compares the role of government policy in encouraging employer investment in training and development in Britain and Australia. Suggests that a comparative approach provides a guide to what to avoid and a way of monitoring performance, rather than specific strategies to adopt. (SK)

Review of women's participation, access, selective admission, and fees for Technical and Further Education in Australia indicates that, despite attention to access and equity (social service perspective), focus has been on promotion of economic development (economic utility perspective). Policies on these issues can tip the balance in either…

Two Australian projects--integrating numeracy into a construction training course and integrating literacy in rural training--illustrate the development of integrated curricula and the necessity of contextualized, multiple literacies. Literacy is not a set of generic skills to be taught in isolation, but highly specific vocational and social…

This article analyzes educational policy for students with mild mental retardation in terms of four important outcomes: (1) successful employment; (2) development of independence; (3) the acquisition of life skills; and (4) successful involvement within the school and community. Inhibitors of successful outcomes are identified, and federal and…

Twenty-five studies were reviewed that surveyed parents of children with moderate to severe mental disabilities concerning such issues as what parents wanted their children to learn, desired school setting, type or degree of desired involvement with the schools, level of satisfaction with services, and needs and plans for their children as adults.…

This study evaluated an HIV/AIDS education program provided to 31 employees of a sheltered workshop for persons with developmental disabilities. A survey of sexual activity supported the need for such a program. Comparison of pretest and posttest scores on an AIDS Risk Knowledge Test revealed an increase in knowledge that was related to the…

This study evaluated the use of communication books (containing pictures to help a nonverbal individual initiate conversation or respond to questions) by two minimally verbal employees with severe disabilities in a supported employment setting. Results indicated that training in use of the books increased the social interactions of the workers.…

Two hundred adults with mild mental retardation were assessed on overall job satisfaction and self-esteem. Subjects worked either in a sheltered workshop or a supported employment setting. Subjects who worked in supported employment reported significantly higher levels of job satisfaction and self-esteem. Subjects living in semi-independent…

This case study of an 11-year-old boy with moderate/severe mental retardation, seizures, and behavior disorders in an inclusive classroom setting describes how a program of assessment and intervention eliminated the behavior problems, was maintained following the intervention, and generalized to 3 nontargeted problem behaviors. Intervention…

This longitudinal study first administered the Uzgiris and Hunt scales (to predict learning of manual signs) to 34 children (mean age 5) with severe and profound mental retardation. Evaluation four years later indicated that achievement of stage five on the Uzgiris and Hunt scales was necessary for even minimal learning and use of manual signs.…

Students role-play one method the government uses to make decisions: a town council meeting. Groups express opinions for or against proposed resolutions and town council announces its decisions to the groups. Students learn how government resolves issues and develop criteria for making decisions. The example used is whether a limited deer hunt…

Shows how an empirical approach to geometry using computer-based dynamic geometry software can create didactic situations in which students require proofs. Reports classroom experiences that show where students felt the need for proof in order to explain phenomena or to convince themselves of counterintuitive results. (Author/MKR)

Articulates a fundamental rationale for the practice of qualitative research in music education. Argues that knowledge and experience are by definition subjective and constructed, thereby validating research methodologies that incorporate and acknowledge these realities. Identifies eight "processes" that offer productive research opportunities.…