An existing research framework for alternative inservice teacher education was examined for applicability to career and technical education. Interviews with 27 students, administrators, and staff validated 5 framework elements (ability to explain program goals, attitudes, program structure, application of current research, and arrangements for…

Community college mechanics students in a competency-based program were compared with those in a cohort-based program. The cohort group perceived a split between theory and practice. The competency-based group was less affected by literacy and language difficulties. They felt success depended on motivation, initiative, and maturity; the cohort…

Competing visions for vocational education in the 20th century include Snedden's social efficiency, an instrumental skills-based approach, and Dewey's democratic approach. Skills-based education that uncritically accepts social conditions does not prepare students for democratic citizenship as well as a morally appropriate vocational education…

North Carolina agriculture teachers with High Schools that Work integration grants (n=32) were compared with 32 without grants. Overall, the level of academic integration into agricultural education was low. Teachers with grants did not have more positive attitudes about integration. Time and administrative support were significant barriers to…

Using National Board for Professional Teaching Standards propositions as a framework, attitudes of 354 secondary marketing students were examined. Their perception of marketing courses was based on personal relevance, educational value, and life skills. They felt teachers had sufficient knowledge and commitment and the course prepared them for…

African American students preparing for vocational teaching careers (n=12) cited five parental influences on career choice: parents' altruistic behavior, high expectations, support of academic endeavors, early exposure to vocational subjects and to teaching, and assistance with discovery of aptitudes and interests. (SK)

In a three-round Delphi (n=197, 109, 75), secondary teachers (61.5% in agriculture) identified important ethical issues regarding land and water use: conversion of agricultural land for urban development, water rights control, and public land used for agriculture. Nearly all addressed ethical issues in class. (SK)

Administrative office technology assessments were delivered via the Internet to 141 vocational students. Compared to 61 who took a paper test, scores for the Internet group were significantly higher; 62% preferred the Internet format. There were few problems with accessing, downloading, taking, and submitting the test. (SK)

A survey of 393 business/industry managers in Oklahoma found that 60% have a staff training specialist. Only in larger organizations was training the specialists' primary responsibility. Organization size had the most effect on amount and variety of training offered and amount spent. Lack of time, staff, and money were the most common barriers.…