This report provides an analysis of the evolution of cooperative education within an historical-educational context. Chapter 1 reviews past definitions of cooperative education and presents the following definitional framework for the concept: "Cooperative Education is a postsecondary work experience program designed to produce academic, career and/or personal enrichment opportunities for a student while he or she is fully enrolled and registered at the institution. The work experience involves a definitive period or periods of employment supplementing full or part-time study on campus. Evaluation of the experience is performed by all participants (student, employer, and institution) based on pre-determined learning objectives dependent upon the work experience itself. The student's participation is considered an integral part of the educational process for that individual." Chapter 2 looks at the historical evolution of formal work experience programs from social, educational, and chronological events. Chapters 3 and 4 summarize the reports of privately supported study groups and task forces, and governmental groups in order to determine the past and present attitudes and roles of such groups. Chapter 5 places cooperative education in its total social context and provides predictions for the future. (Author/DC)