As we reflect on the past several years of work that produced this report, we realize that we have many to thank. First, we express our sincere appreciation to the growing community of professionals who actively implement Tech Prep on a day-to-day basis. For our study, this group was ably represented by the nearly 350 Tech Prep coordinators whose thoughtful and candid responses made our follow-up survey a worthwhile endeavor. We are particularly indebted to five Tech Prep coordinators who hosted our field visits, answered a myriad of tedious questions, and shared incredible amounts of their time and talents. To Bonnie Bensonhaver, Debra Mills, Roger Johnson, Jim Schoelkopf, and Carole Swineheart, we share our deepest gratitude. At the national and state levels, we share our thanks for the continuous support we have received from the U.S. Department of Education Tech Prep Team and the state Tech Prep coordinators. Our study is richer in depth and quality because of the wisdom these national and state leaders contributed to our research.
At the NCRVE-University of Illinois site we thank our colleagues who contributed all along the way, particularly Mildred Griggs for her sagacious advice and James Layton for his expert computer skills. We also thank our researcher-friends in Texas, Carrie Brown, and Florida, Frank Hammons, who helped us understand the intricacies of Tech Prep implementation in their states and elsewhere. Finally, we thank our families and friends. Without their unconditional love and support, this research would not have been possible.
Debra D. Bragg
Paula A. Puckett
William Reger IV
Helen Sue Thomas
Joan Ortman
Carolyn Dornsife