Agency
for Instructional Technology
The Agency for Instructional Technology (AIT) is a nonprofit U.S.-Canadian
organization established in 1973 to strengthen education through technology.
AIT provides leadership and service to the education community through
cooperative development, acquisition, and distribution of technology-based
instructional materials. The instructional materials made available through AIT
are either developed and financed through joint program projects organized and
managed by AIT, or acquired from local and state education agencies. A variety
of video and software materials for vocational, occupational, and career
programs are available from this organization. In addition, curriculum
materials which integrate academic and vocational instruction with physics,
math, and communication are also available. AIT's free, quarterly newsletter
provides up-to-date information about videos and activities.
Contact:
Customer Service
AIT
Box A
Bloomington, IN 47402-0120
(812) 339-2203
(800) 457-4509
Fax: (812) 333-4278
American
Counseling Association
The American Counseling Association (ACA) is an educational and scientific
organization dedicated to the growth and enhancement of the counseling and
human development profession. It provides leadership training, continuing
education opportunities, and advocacy services to its members. It also
represents members' interests in other professional associations, before
Congress, and with federal agencies. ACA members work in education settings,
from preschool through higher education; in mental health agencies; community
organizations; correctional institutions; employment agencies; rehabilitation
programs; government; business; industry; research facilities; and private
practice. ACA and its members are committed to the continuing enhancement of
the counseling and human development profession.
Address:
American Counseling Association
5999 Stevenson Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22304-3300
(703) 823-98O0
(703) 370-1943 TDD
Fax: (703) 823-0252
Bureau
of Apprenticeship and Training
One of the roles of the federal government is to encourage and promote the
establishment of apprenticeship programs and provide technical assistance to
program sponsors. Apprenticeship, authorized by the National Apprenticeship Act
of 1937 (PL 75-308), is a combination of on-the-job training and related
classroom instruction in which workers learn the practical and theoretical
aspects of a highly skilled occupation.
Apprenticeship programs are operated on a voluntary basis by employers,
employer associations, or management and labor groups. The related classroom
instruction may be given in the program sponsor's training facility or at a
local technical school or junior college. Training periods range from one to
six years. Most trades require three to four years. Apprentices earn while they
learn on the job, at progressive wage rates starting from about half the
journeyworker's rate up to 95% of full pay near the end of their
apprenticeship. A few of the skilled trades in which they are being trained are
automotive mechanic, baker, bricklayer, carpenter, electrician, machinist,
operating engineer, optical technician, painter, roofer, sheet metal worker,
structural steel worker, and tool and die maker.
Apprenticeship programs provide equal employment opportunity to all persons
regardless of race, sex, ethnic group, or age. Men and women at least 16 years
old are eligible to apply by visiting or writing a local Job Service Office, a
local office of the U.S. Department Labor's Bureau of Apprenticeship and
Training, a state apprenticeship agency, a Joint Apprenticeship Committee,
union, or employer engaged in the desired craft.
Contact:
U.S. Department of Labor
Employment and Training Administration
Bureau of Apprenticeship
200 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20210
(202) 219-5921
Business-Higher
Education Forum
The Business-Higher Education Forum is a membership organization of
approximately 90 selected chief executives of major American corporations and
colleges and universities. The Forum's purposes are to identify, review, and
act on selected issues of mutual concern; to enhance public awareness of these
concerns; and to help guide the evolution of cooperation between corporations
and institutions of higher education, while preserving their separate
traditional functions.
The Forum was founded in 1978 by the American Council on Education, which
represents all accredited, degree-granting institutions of higher education as
well as national and regional higher education associations. Over the years,
the Forum has addressed such critical issues as international economic
competitiveness, education and training, R&D partnerships, science and
technology, and global interdependence.
In recent years, the Forum has focused particularly on human resource issues.
In 1988, it published American Potential: The Human Dimension, which
laid out a consensus agenda for preparing young and adult Americans for
productive futures. Since the publication of that report, the Forum has
established a standing committee to work toward implementing American
Potential's recommendations. Among the committee's activities is a
three-year joint venture with the Public Agenda Foundation that will conduct a
broad-based, citizen-education project on the need to improve the skills of
American students and workers.
Contact:
Barbara Uehling, Forum Director
Business-Higher Education Forum
c/o American Council on Education
One Dupont Circle, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 939-9345
Fax: (202) 833-4723
Career
Beginnings Program
Career Beginnings is a college-business-community initiative in highly
populated cities across the country designed to build on the demonstrated
potential of high school students to overcome difficulties and achieve. It is
designed for high school juniors who come from low income families, have an
average academic and attendance record, and who have demonstrated their
motivation and commitment beyond school activities. The project continues
through the first year after high school graduation. Annually, Career
Beginnings provides more than 2,000 students with (1) the encouragement of a
knowledgeable adult mentor, (2) support in exploring career and college options
through educational workshops and training, (3) yearlong services and guidance
throughout the process of gaining admission to college or obtaining a full-time
job with career potential after graduation, and (4) a quality summer work
experience.
Contact:
School and Main
Health Institute
New England Medical Center
750 Washington Street, NEMCH #328
Boston, MA 02111
(617) 956-9151
Career
Planning and Adult Development Network
The Career Planning and Adult Development Network is a professional
organization of 1,000 career development and human resource professionals. One
of the Network's primary objectives is to make its readership aware of current
issues, events, news, books, materials, and other resources that would be of
professional interest to them. A monthly newsletter and a quarterly journal are
available to members.
Contact:
Richard L. Knowdell, Executive Director
Career Planning and Adult Development Network
4965 Sierra Road
San Jose, CA 95132
(408) 559-4946
Fax: (408) 559-8211
Center
for Applied Academics
Primarily serving the Northwest region, the Center for Applied Academics
provides technical assistance on the subject of applied academics. Its goals
are to network with states and programs in the Northwest to identify and
overcome barriers to implementing applied academics in K-12 and postsecondary
settings; build technical assistance capability in states; share training and
ideas for teachers, administrators, business leaders, and teacher educators;
encourage businesses to establish partnerships to support applied academics;
and conduct research, evaluation, and policy studies to support the development
of applied academics in both rural and urban areas of the region. It also
provides telephone support, conference and workshop presentations, an annual
survey, and publications that address this issue. The Center publishes a
quarterly newsletter.
Contact:
Larry McClure
Tom Owens
Center for Applied Academics
Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory
101 SW Main Street, Suite 500
Portland, OR 97204
(503) 275-9597
(800) 547-6339, ext. 597
Center
for Corporate Community Relations
Committed exclusively to helping corporations respond to the needs of local
communities, the Center for Corporate Community Relations facilitates corporate
community involvement and community development efforts. One of those needs is
the relationship between businesses and at-risk youth. The Center helps
corporations identify priorities in community service and evaluates community
agencies and programs to help corporations allocate their charitable dollars
effectively. The Center offers a variety of professional services to assist
corporations with the planning, design, implementation, and evaluation of their
community relations activities. These services include consultation, training
and development, research, library and database access, educational programs,
and networking opportunities. The Center publishes The Corporate Community
Relations Letter newsletter, containing articles on the Center's
activities, including dropouts and corporate responsibility.
Contact:
Edmund M. Burke, Director
Susan Thomas, Manager, Communications
Center for Corporate Community Relations
36 College Road
Chestnut Hill, MA 02167
(617) 552-4545
Fax: (617) 552-8499
Center
for Law and Education, Inc.'s VOCED Project
The Center's VOCED Project helps low-income students and their communities
redirect vocational education programs to better meet their long-term
educational, social, and economic needs. Drawing on this experience, the VOCED
Project publishes policy papers and practical guidance on how to improve
programs. The Project also conducts workshops and conferences. Areas of
particular emphasis include (1) integrating academic and vocational education,
(2) framing programs around all aspects of the industry students are preparing
to enter, (3) linking vocational education and community economic development,
(4) meeting the needs of diverse students, and (5) implementing participatory
governance.
Contact:
VOCED Project
Center for Law and Education
1875 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 510
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 986-3000
Fax: (202) 986-6648
Center
for Occupational Research and Development
A variety of products and services are available from the Center for
Occupational Research and Development (CORD), a nonprofit, public-service
organization dedicated to the advancement of vocational and technical
education. Spanning secondary, postsecondary, and adult training and education,
CORD provides services, forecasts, strategies, curricula, and materials that
are used to promote a more productive and competitive workforce.
CORD s goal is to assist educational institutions and other organizations who
provide education, training, and retraining for America's technical workers. In
recent years, CORD has become involved in designing curricula using applied
academic instructional materials. These materials are being implemented in
secondary, postsecondary, and adult retraining programs. CORD has worked with
schools to develop 2 + 1 and 2 + 2 curricula in which the last two years of
secondary school are linked to one or two years of postsecondary school. CORD
also helps postsecondary schools devise articulation strategies in which the
institution grants credit for the work done at the secondary level as part of a
two-year or four-year program.
Contact:
CORD
601 C Lake Air Drive
Waco, TX 76710
(817) 772-8756
(512) 323-0779 Austin, TX office
(800) 231-3015
Fax: (817) 772-8972
Center
for Workforce Preparation and Quality Education
Created to support a grassroots effort for educational reform, The Center for
Workforce Preparation and Quality Education provides information to business
leaders on innovation in educational restructuring to enhance school-business
collaboration. The Center identifies and highlights effective techniques,
policies, and programs on how to generate broad-based community action in
education. It publishes a variety of resources on aspects of this issue.
Contact:
Rae Nelson, Vice President/ Executive Director
Michelle Griffin, Communications Director
Center for Workforce Preparation and Quality Education
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
1615 H Street, NW
Washington, DC 20062
(202) 463-5525
Fax: (202) 887-3445
Center
on Education and Work
The Center on Education and Work is a research, development, and service center
that identifies and responds to issues affecting the connections among
education, work, community, and the family. The Center's goals are to translate
research and development findings into practical solutions and effective
practices through focused dissemination, professional development, and
technical assistance. The primary themes informing the Center's research,
development, and service programs include (1) strengthening policies and
programs required to maintain a world class workforce by addressing individual,
economic, and societal needs; (2) improving equity in work and education
outcomes for individuals and special groups; and (3) building the capacity for
research-based practice and continuous quality improvement in education for
work programs, especially among leaders.
Contact:
L. Allen Phelps, Director
Center on Education and Work
University of Wisconsin-Madison
964 Educational Sciences Building
1025 W. Johnson Street
Madison, WI 53706-1796
(608) 263-2714
(800) 446-0399
Fax: (608) 262-3063
Council
for Aid to Education
The Council for Aid to Education is dedicated to promoting an effective
partnership between business and education in the task of improving America's
educational system. Originally designed to encourage private-sector support of
higher education, the Council has expanded its mission to include primary and
secondary education and to encourage more effective corporate support of
education. Its job is to ensure that business investments in education produce
results. The Council is supported by business and works directly with business
to target key areas of educational concern. It helps point corporations toward
the issues and opportunities in which they have a compelling interest and on
which they can have an impact, provides information on promising approaches to
educational improvement, and offers detailed advice on how to make effective
contributions to the quality of American education.
Address:
Council for Aid to Education
342 Madison Avenue, Suite 1532
New York, NY 10173
(212) 661-5800
Fax: (212) 661-9766
Council
for Basic Education
The objective of this national nonprofit organization is to offer a
comprehensive liberal education to all elementary and secondary students by
strengthening the quality of teaching in the basic subjects--English,
mathematics, science, history, geography, government, foreign languages, and
the arts. CBE's national programs promote teacher development, instigate the
restructuring of school curricula, and encourage the reform of current teaching
and learning methods. CBE publications include Basic Education, a
monthly forum for analysis and comment on educational trends, programs, and
ideas. CBE also publishes major reports on central themes of the educational
debate.
Contact:
Christopher Cross, President
Council for Basic Education
1319 F Street, NW, Suite 900
Washington, DC 20004-1152
(202) 347-4171
Fax: (202) 347-5047
Division
on Career Development and Transition
An organization within the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), the Division
on Career Development and Transition (DCDT) focuses on the career development
of children, youth, and adults of all ages and all exceptionalities. The
division focuses on transition from school to adult life as a major component
of the career development process. Its primary purpose is to promote the career
development of exceptional children, youth, and adults in order to bring about
efficient and effective programs of career awareness, exploration, preparation,
and transition for individuals of all exceptionalities from early childhood
through adulthood.
DCDT collaborates with other divisions of CEC and with other organizations on
issues related to career development and transition. It also disseminates
information on the activities of other divisions and organizations that may be
of interest to DCDT members.
DCDT publishes a newsletter four times a year which provides information about
legislation, projects, resource materials, and implementation strategies.
The Career Development of Exceptional Individuals Journal is published
twice a year and carries articles dealing with the latest research activities,
model programs, and issues in career development and transition planning. DCDT
also develops and disseminates position papers and other publications on
current issues in the field; sponsors an international conference every two
years, as well as a strand of sessions at each international CEC Conference;
sponsors regional and state conferences on career development and transition;
and provides current updates to members on major legislation such as the Carl
D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act, The Americans with
Disabilities Act, and the Vocational Rehabilitation Act.
Address:
Division on Career Development and Transition
Council for Exceptional Children
1920 Association Drive
Reston, VA 22091-1589
(703) 620-3660
Educational
Equity Concepts, Inc.
Educational Equity Concepts is a national nonprofit organization founded in
1982 to foster equal educational opportunity. The organization designs programs
and materials to help eliminate sex, race, and disability bias; offers a broad
range of training and consulting services; and engages in a variety of public
education activities. The organization's programs and materials are
concentrated in areas where women and children have been adversely affected by
sex, race, and disability bias. Content areas include early science,
mainstreaming at all levels, teen pregnancy and parenting, and women with
disabilities. Available services include consulting; staff development and
inservice training courses; workshops for parent, school, and community groups;
materials development; keynote addresses, speeches, and presentations; and
conference planning. A publications catalog is available on request.
Contact:
Merle Froschl, Co-Director
Educational Equity Concepts, Inc.
114 E. 32nd Street
New York, NY 10016
(212) 725-1803
Fax: (212) 725-0947
ERIC
Clearinghouse on Adult, Career, and Vocational Education
The ERIC Clearinghouse provides comprehensive information services in adult and
continuing education; career education, childhood through adult; and vocational
and technical education. Publications include in-depth reviews, Digests
that summarize information on selected topics, Trends and Issues Alerts
that provide information on emerging trends and issues, and Practice
Application Briefs that are based on research findings. Services include
computer searches and referrals.
Contact:
Judy Wagner, Assistant Director for Dissemination
ERIC/ACVE
Ohio State University
1900 Kenny Road
Columbus, OH 43210-1090
(614) 292-4353 in OH
(800) 848-4815
Fax: (614) 292-1260
ERIC
Clearinghouse on Counseling and Student Services
The ERIC Clearinghouse on Counseling and Student Services (ERIC/CASS) is one of
the sixteen subject-oriented clearinghouses of the ERIC system. ERIC/CASS's
scope includes the preparation, practice, and supervision of counselors at all
educational levels and in all settings; the theoretical development of
counseling and guidance; personnel procedures such as testing, interviewing,
analysis, and dissemination of the resultant information; group work and case
work; the nature of pupil, student, and adult characteristics; and personnel
workers and their relation to career planning, family consultations, and
student orientation activities. ERIC/CASS offers professionals products such as
monographs, special issues papers, recent studies, computer search analyses,
bibliographies, and digests, as well as a quarterly information bulletin
featuring ERIC/CASS activities, products, and articles on timely topics.
ERIC/CASS's staff also offers question-answering services; computer searching
of the ERIC database; on-site user services with a complete ERIC microfiche
collection at the ERIC Resources Center; and local, state, and national
workshops on high-priority counseling concerns.
Contact:
Rob Bohall, Assistant Director
ERIC/CASS
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
School of Education
Park 101
Greensboro, NC 27412-5001
(910) 334-4114
(800) 414-9769
Fax: (910) 334-4116
Girls
Incorporated
Girls Incorporated (formerly known as Girls Clubs of America) programs are
designed to enable girls to achieve a responsible and confident adulthood,
economic independence, and personal fulfillment. Operation SMART (Science,
Math, and Relevant Technology), a national program to encourage the
participation of girls and young women in science, math, and relevant
technology, is in response to the increasing number of jobs requiring
backgrounds in math and science and the low percentage of girls participating
in these areas. Special populations served through this program include migrant
workers, abused women, teen mothers, displaced homemakers, and senior citizens.
Programming efforts focusing on adolescent pregnancy integrate sexuality
education with family communication, health awareness, and career
planning.
All programs developed by Girls Incorporated are researched, analyzed, and
evaluated at their National Resource Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. The
Center contains a library and other research facilities and distributes
publications and materials to parents, educators, policymakers, women's groups,
and others concerned with girls.
Contact:
Amy Sutnick
Director of Communication
Girls Incorporated
30 E. 33rd Street
New York, NY 10016
(212) 689-3700
Fax: (212) 683-1253
Girls
Incorporated National Resource Center
As a service of Girls Incorporated (formerly known as Girls Clubs of America),
the Girls Incorporated National Resource Center acts as a clearinghouse to
disseminate information concerning gender inequities and other societal issues
facing today's girls and young women. Information is available on a wide range
of topics that relate to girls such as adolescent development, pregnancy
prevention, and sexuality; career development and employment; gender roles and
relationships; positive environments; and math, science, and new technology.
The Center contains over 5,000 monographs, studies, texts, films, filmstrips,
cassettes, videotapes, and periodicals. It focuses on statistical information,
research about girls and young women, and model programs for serving girls in
informal education. Publications and materials are available to parents,
educators, policymakers, women's groups, and others concerned with girls and
young women.
Contact:
Heather Johnston Nicholson, Director
Girls Incorporated National Resource Center
441 W. Michigan Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
(317) 634-7546
(800) 374-4475
Fax: (317) 634-3024
Hands
and Minds Collaborative
The Hands and Minds Collaborative is a school-based center dedicated to helping
schools and school districts break down the barriers separating academic and
vocational education and the barriers separating the school and community. The
Collaborative conducts on-site professional development activities, holds an
annual summer workshop, publishes curriculum samples, and facilitates
communication among educators as they seek to redefine the content and purpose
of vocational education in their local settings. The Collaborative is a joint
project of the Center for Law and Education's VOCED Project and the Rindge
School of Technical Arts in Cambridge, which is one of the U.S. Department of
Education's national demonstration sites for academic and vocational
integration.
Contact:
Maria Ferri
Hands and Minds Collaborative
Rindge School of Technical Arts
459 Broadway
Cambridge MA 02138
(617) 349-6717
Institute
for Women's Policy Research
The Institute for Women's Policy Research (IWPR) is an independent, nonprofit,
scientific research organization that works primarily on issues related to
equal opportunity and economic and social justice for women. The institute
works with policymakers, scholars, and advocacy groups around the country to
design, execute, and disseminate research findings that illuminate policy
issues affecting women and families, and to build a network of individuals and
organizations that conduct and use policy research of importance to
women.
IWPR offers several services to members and affiliates including the IWPR
Information Network and Research News Reporter. The IWPR Information Network is
designed to facilitate the institute's central goal of disseminating and
publicizing research findings to the widest possible audience. Members of the
Information Network receive fact sheets, discussion papers, briefing papers,
reduced or complimentary registration for the Annual Women's Policy Research
Conference, and the option of receiving major reports and the Research News
Reporter. The Research News Reporter is a bimonthly information
service that includes newspaper clippings and resource information, culled from
research in the news that is relevant to women and families. The articles are
arranged chronologically and according to topics which include work and
education; politics and society; family life, health, and reproductive issues;
and poverty and income. Also included are full citations and ordering
information for all reports and studies mentioned, as well as additional
related research. Affiliates and individual supporting members of the
Information Network receive the Research News Reporter.
Contact:
Heidi Hartmann, Executive Director
Institute for Women's Policy Research
1400 20th Street, NW, Suite 104
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 785-5100
Fax: (202) 833-4362
The
Institute on Education and the Economy
The institute conducts and disseminates research on how changes in the economy
and the workplace, in the workforce itself, and in patterns of work-related
learning affect the development and transformation of human capital in this
country. Their objective is to build knowledge that will inform public and
corporate decisions about who should teach which work-related skills to whom,
when, and how. The institute is funded by the Office of Educational Research
and Improvement of the U.S. Department of Education.
Contact:
Thomas Bailey, Director
The Institute on Education and the Economy
Teachers College
Box 174
Columbia University
New York, NY 10027
(212) 678-3091
Institute
on Education and Training
The mission of the institute is to improve policy and public understanding of
American education and training and to conduct the research and analyses needed
to address problems in these areas. In accord with this mission, the institute
supports three objectives: (1) to examine the delivery and performance of
education and training components individually and as parts of a system, as
well as related national and international economic, demographic, and security
issues; (2) to help public and private sector decisionmakers at the local,
state, and federal levels to develop and implement effective policies and
programs; and (3) to train policy analysts in education and training.
Contact:
Cathy Stasz, Director
Institute on Education and Training
RAND
1700 Main Street
P.O. Box 2138
Santa Monica, CA 90407-2138
(310) 393-0411
IWPR
Information Network
The IWPR Information Network is a service for members and affiliates of the
Institute for Women's Policy Research designed to facilitate the institute's
central goal of disseminating and publicizing research findings to the widest
possible audience. Members of the Information Network receive fact sheets,
discussion papers, briefing papers, reduced or complimentary registration for
the Annual Women's Policy Research Conference, and the option of receiving
major reports and the Research News Reporter.
The Research News Reporter is a bimonthly information service that
includes newspaper clippings and resource information, culled from research in
the news that is relevant to women and families. The articles are arranged
chronologically and according to topics that include work and education;
politics and society; family life, health, and reproductive issues; and poverty
and income. Also included are full citations and ordering information for all
reports and studies mentioned, as well as additional related research.
Affiliates and individual supporting members of the Information Network receive
the Research News Reporter.
Contact:
Heidi Hartmann, Executive Director
Institute for Women's Policy Research
1400 20th Street, NW, Suite 104
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 785-5100
Fax: (202) 833-4362
National
Alliance of Business
Committed to the building of a quality workforce, the National Alliance of
Business (NAB) works with private employers, private industry councils, and a
variety of local and state public/private partnerships to (1) upgrade the
skills and abilities of the existing workforce through workplace learning
efforts, (2) improve the output of America's public schools by involving
business in education reform and improvement, and (3) train the unemployed and
underskilled for entry into the labor force through second chance
initiatives.
NAB's Information Services Center collects and disseminates information on
topics related to workforce quality. The Special Library on Workforce Quality,
located at NAB headquarters and administered by the Information Services
Center, is composed of some 2,000 publications, studies, and periodicals on
subjects that include employment, job training, education improvement,
workplace learning, economics development, and vocational education. NAB also
distributes over 25 publications and videotapes through the Information
Services Center including NAB's own Work America newspaper, Business
Currents (legislative and regulatory newsletter), and Technical
Reports (analysis of issues related to the Job Training Partnership Act).
Publications available for sale address a variety of topics, including
educational reform, school-business partnerships, JTPA, the Family Support Act
of 1988, worker dislocation, job training programs, and transition.
Contact:
William H. Kohlberg, President
National Alliance of Business
1201 New York Avenue, NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20005-3917
(202) 289-2888
Fax: (202) 289-1303
National
Assessment of Educational Progress
Mandated by Congress, funded by the National Center for Education Statistics,
and currently administered by the Educational Testing Service, the National
Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) has monitored 11 areas of knowledge
and skills of America's elementary, middle, and high school students and young
adults' literacy skills on an ongoing basis since 1969. Its objective is to
make education performance results more accessible to policymakers and the
general public. It utilizes scientific random sampling procedures to ensure
reliable national, regional, and education-specific results, and does not
provide student-specific or school-specific results. States participate on a
voluntary basis. NAEP publishes The Nation's Report Card, disseminating
results of their research.
Contact:
Archie Lapointe, Executive Director
The Nation's Report Card
Educational Testing Service
P.O. Box 6710
Princeton, NJ 08541-6710
(609) 734-1624
(800) 223-0267
Fax: (609) 734-1878
National
Association for Industry-Education Cooperation
The National Association for Industry-Education Cooperation (NAIEC) advocates
industry-education collaboration in school improvement/reform, preparation for
work through career education, and human resource/economic development at the
local and state levels. It is the national clearinghouse for information on
industry involvement in education.
NAIEC believes that industry has a central role in helping education (public
and postsecondary) refocus/reshape its total academic and vocational program in
a coherent, systematic manner so that it is more responsive to the needs of
students (including special needs) and employers.
Members receive the NAIEC Newsletter, a publication on new developments
in industry-education collaboration in school improvement
(public/private/postsecondary) and work/education-related programs. Technical
assistance in planning, organizing, and implementing industry-education
cooperative programs and activities at the local and state levels and
opportunities to participate in research and demonstration projects are
available. NAIEC sponsors conferences and publishes materials on a variety of
topics, including industry-education councils, community resources workshops,
career/ special/vocational education, school-based job placement, industry
sponsored educational materials, educational management, and economic
development. NAIEC's awards program recognizes outstanding accomplishments in
industry-education collaboration.
Contact:
Donald M. Clark, President and CEO
National Association for Industry-Education Cooperation
235 Hendricks Boulevard
Buffalo, NY 14226-3304
(716) 834-7047
National
Association of Partners in Education
Originally founded in 1968 as the National School Volunteer Program, the
National Association of Partners in Education's (NAPE) mission is to enhance
the quality of public education by promoting and strengthening organized school
volunteer and partnership programs across the nation. In 1988, the current
structure of NAPE was created through a merger with the National Symposium on
Partnerships in Education. NAPE is a nationally recognized membership
association which provides training and leadership for volunteers, school
administrators, teachers, and managers of school volunteer and partnership
programs. This nonprofit organization's current membership is approximately
10,000. NAPE provides a full range of technical assistance services to the
educational community: training, research, demonstration projects, issues and
advocacy, linkage, publications, public education, and technical assistance.
Contact:
Janet Cox, Acting Director
Membership and Communications
National Association of Partners in Education
209 Madison Street, Suite 401
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 836-4880
Fax: (703) 836-6941
National
Career Development Association
The National Career Development Association (NCDA), formerly the National
Vocational Guidance Association, is the organization for professionals
interested in career development, career counseling and guidance, or career
education programs who practice in a school, business/industry, college, or
community setting. NCDA promotes professional growth and development, through a
variety of services and benefits designed to increase the effectiveness of
career development professionals. NCDA publications provide information about
current research, innovative programs, resources, professional activities, and
legislation.
Contact:
Juliet Miller, Executive Director
National Career Development Association
5999 Stevenson Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22304
(703) 823-9800, ext. 309
Fax: (703) 751-2294
National
Center for Research in Vocational Education
Designed as a change agent, the National Center for Research in Vocational
Education (NCRVE) is a consortium of seven nationally recognized institutions
who hold a deep commitment to the vocational education community. The
University of California at Berkeley is the lead institution. The presence of
an NCRVE site in nearly every region of the country places NCRVE in direct
touch with the enormous diversity of regional vocational needs as well as with
the practitioners NCRVE ultimately serves.
NCRVE focuses its resources on responding to two goals: (1) preparing
individuals, including members of special populations, for substantial and
rewarding employment over the long run; and (2) acting as a catalyst for a
shift to an economy dominated by a skilled and flexible workforce, one that
maximizes both global competitiveness and individual potential, in which firms
use more skilled and productive workers and provide the appropriate incentives
for education and training. These two goals, reflecting a multifaceted
trend--emerging vocationalism--which NCRVE is committed to encourage, form the
basis for NCRVE's research and development, as well as its dissemination and
training agendas.
NCRVE's research and development agenda is organized around six areas: (1) the
economic context of vocational education, (2) the institutional context of
vocational education, (3) the content and pedagogy of effective programs, (4)
students in vocational education, (5) personnel in vocational education, and
(6) accountability and assessment. Its dissemination and training agenda is
organized around five multisite program areas: (1) dissemination; (2)
professional development; (3) special populations; (4) planning, evaluation,
and accountability; and (5) program development, curriculum, and instructional
materials. NCRVE publishes three newsletters. A publication list is available
through NCRVE's Materials Distribution Service.
Contact:
David Stern, Director
National Center for Research in Vocational Education
2030 Addison Street, Suite 500
Berkeley, CA 94720-1674
(510) 642-4004
(800) (old phone deleted)
Fax: (510) 642-2124
E-MAIL: AskNCRVE@ncrve.berkeley.edu
Materials Distribution Service:
(800) 637-7652
National
Center on Education and the Economy
The National Center on Education and the Economy is a nonprofit organization
engaged in policy development and human resources. The National Center came to
Rochester in 1988 to assist the City School District in becoming a laboratory
for the state and the nation as it restructures its operations to produce much
higher levels of student performance. The National Center's work is focusing on
the analysis and design of organizational structures and management systems
that will enable school districts to attract highly capable school staff and
create an environment in which they can do the best work.
The National Commission on the Skills of the American Workforce was created
following the release of the National Center's first publication, To Secure
Our Future: The Federal Role in Education, in 1989. Composed of business,
union, education and political leaders, the Commission examined economic
competitiveness, skill requirements, and skill development systems in the
United States and six nations in Europe and the Far East. On the basis of its
findings, it released its report, America's Choice: High Skills or Low
Wages!, making recommendations on the steps that must be taken to provide
American workers with the skills they need if America is to be able to maintain
and improve its standard of living.
Contact:
Marc Tucker, President
National Center on Education and the Economy
700 11th Street, NW, Suite 750
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 783-3668
(202) 783-3672
National
Center on Educational Outcomes
NCEO's mission is to provide national leadership in the identification of
educational outcomes for students with disabilities and in the development of a
system of indicators with which to monitor those outcomes. NCEO is working with
national policy-making groups, state departments of education, and other groups
and Individuals to promote national discussion of educational goals and
indicators of educational outcomes that include students with disabilities.
They publish a biannual newsletter and a variety of reports.
Contact:
James Ysseldyke, Director
Martha Thurlow, Assistant Director
National Center on Educational Outcomes
University of Minnesota
350 Elliott Hall
75 E. River Road
Minneapolis, MN 55455
(612) 626-1530
(612) 624-7003 TTY
SpecialNet:MN.OUTCOM
Fax: (612) 624-0879
National
Coalition for Sex Equity in Education
The purpose of the National Coalition for Sex Equity in Education (NCSEE) is to
provide leadership in the identification and infusion of sex equity in all
educational programs and processes and within parallel equity concerns. Persons
interested in equity concerns (e.g., gender, race, national origin, disability,
and age) are encouraged to join.
The NCSEE Newsletter reports on coalition activities and includes issue
perspectives; legal updates; research reports; announcements of new resources,
grant availability, and job openings; and serves as a forum for members to
share strategies for the attainment of sex equity in education and within
parallel equity concerns. Members receive the newsletter and a membership
directory, may attend NCSEE's annual conference, and may list themselves or
their agencies In NCSEE's consultant resource bank.
Contact:
Theodora Martin, Business Manager
National Coalition for Sex Equity in Education
One Redwood Drive
Clinton, NJ 08809
(908) 735-5045
Fax: (908) 735-9674
National
Diffusion Network
The National Diffusion Network (NDN) sponsors over 100 exemplary programs that
can be used to achieve the National Goals for Education issued by the President
and the Nation's governors in February 1990. Administered by the U.S.
Department of Education, NDN provides funds to disseminate information about
exemplary programs to schools, colleges, and other institutions throughout the
country. These programs and their sponsoring schools and organizations, the NDN
State Facilitators, and the Private School Facilitators form a resource network
that helps other schools adopt programs for their own use to improve the
education of their students. NDN programs have been field-tested with students
and are proven effective. Every program has been evaluated locally and approved
by a panel of the U.S. Department of Education. Types of projects include
Developer Demonstrator Projects, developed by local schools; Dissemination
Process Projects, large-scale programs run by national organizations; and State
Facilitator Projects, which serve as in-state links between NDN programs and
local schools interested in program implementation. Subjects covered include
communication, programs for people who are disabled, educational reform, career
and vocational education, and dropout prevention programs.
Contact:
Elizabeth Farquhar, Staff Director
National Diffusion Network
Office of Educational Research and Improvement
U.S. Department of Education
555 New Jersey Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20208-5645
(202) 219-2134
Fax: (202) 219-1407
National
Dropout Prevention Center
The National Dropout Prevention Center (NDPC) gathers, analyzes, and
disseminates information to individuals and groups involved in school dropout
prevention efforts. NDPC's mission is to significantly reduce the dropout rate
in schools by helping to develop public-private partnerships between schools,
businesses, and communities to meet the needs of at-risk youth. NDPC publishes
the quarterly National Dropout Prevention Newsletter, A Series of
Solutions and Strategies serial, and numerous topical publications. It also
maintains the FOCUS database on dropout prevention. NDPC also manages the
National Dropout Prevention Network, a membership-based organization of over
2,500 professionals involved in school dropout prevention efforts. The annual
National Dropout Prevention Conference is a major activity.
Contact:
Jay Smink, Executive Director
Marty Duckenfield, Data Management and Research Analyst
National Dropout Prevention Center
205 Martin Street
Clemson, SC 29834-5111
(803) 656-2599
(800) 443-6392
(800) 868-3475 in SC
Fax: (803) 656-0136
National
Institute for Work and Learning
The National Institute for Work and Learning (NIWL), an Institute of the
Academy for Educational Development, seeks to improve the linkages between
education and work for youth and adults and to bring into better balance the
supply of and demand for critical skills in the workplace. The institute's
primary focus is the pursuit of collaborative efforts among educators,
employers, unions, community organizations, and government to resolve work and
learning problems. NIWL accomplishes its mission through basic and policy
research, action and development projects, program evaluations, information
networking, and technical assistance. NIWL has established three distinct
program areas for its projects: (1) partnerships for youth transition, (2)
worklife education and training, and (3) productive aging. A list of NIWL
publications is available on request.
Contact:
Ivan Charner, Director
National Institute for Work and Learning
Academy for Educational Development
1875 Connecticut Avenue, NW
9th Floor
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 884-8000
Fax: (202) 884-8400
National
Occupational Information Coordinating Committee
The National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee (NOICC) is a
federal interagency committee that promotes the development and use of
occupational and labor market information. NOICC's primary mission is to
improve communication and coordination among developers and users of
occupational and career information and to help states meet the occupational
information needs of vocational education and employment and training program
managers, as well as individuals exploring occupational options and making
career decisions. Working with a network of State Occupational Information
Coordinating Committees (SOICCs), NOICC provides leadership, funding, and
technical assistance to the SOICCs in a variety of ways. NOICC and the SOICCs
have developed data systems that are designed to help provide planners and
program managers with up-to-date and locally relevant occupational supply and
demand information upon which to base program decisions. The two committees
have also developed Career Information Delivery Systems (CIDS) and career
development programs that help meet the labor market information needs of
individuals making decisions about occupations and careers.
Contact:
Juliette N. Lester, Executive Director
National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee
2100 M Street, NW, Suite 156
Washington, DC 20037
(202) 653-5665
Fax: (202) 653-2123
National
Tech Prep Clearinghouse of Resources
Committed to sharing information, curriculum, and resources to assist in
implementing Tech Prep programs defined in PL 101-392, the Carl D. Perkins
Vocational Education and Applied Technology Act, the National Tech Prep
Clearinghouse of Resources provides promotional samples, orientation
videotapes, state definitions and guidelines, curricular planning models,
speeches and presentations, articulation agreements, and academic integration
curriculum. The Clearinghouse maintains local and state contacts and speaker
referrals. It is coordinated with the National Center for Research in
Vocational Education, University of California at Berkeley; Center for
Occupational Research and Development; Tech Prep Consortium; and U.S.
Department of Labor.
Contact:
Rebecca Woodhull, Director
Tech Prep Clearinghouse
University of Illinois at Springfield, K-80
Springfield, IL 62794-9243
(217) 786-6375
(800) 252-4822
Fax: (217) 786-6036
National
Training Programs Service
The National Training Systems Association (NTSA) has a joint venture agreement
with the National Technical Information Service (NTIS), an agency of the
Department of Commerce, to help NTIS identify and provide user training
programs and materials, developed by or for federal government agencies and
private and public sectors. Subjects include management in the workplace,
education and training methodologies, and basic skills. This service is
performed by the National Training Programs Service (NTPS), a subsidiary of
NTSA. NTPS publishes National Training Programs News, a quarterly
newsletter containing articles on training, abstracts of training programs, and
a list of more than 100 of the latest federal training programs and
materials.
Contact:
Barbara McDaniel, Director
National Training Programs Service
2101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 400
Arlington, VA 99901
(703) 522-1820
(800) 677-6897
Fax: (703) 243-1659
National
Youth Employment Coalition
Founded by leaders in the field of youth employment and training, the National
Youth Employment Coalition (NYEC) is a nonprofit organization composed of over
60 organizations with a common interest in increasing employment, education,
and training opportunities for youth, particularly disadvantaged youth. Its
objectives are to improve the public's understanding of and support for youth
employment programs and initiatives; serve as a clearinghouse of information
and as a catalyst for cooperative ventures from NYEC members, voluntary
organizations, the education system, and the private sector; and analyze the
impact of present and proposed policies upon the development of a comprehensive
youth employment policy. NYEC publishes a monthly newsletter, Youth
Notes.
Contact:
Kate O'Sullivan, Policy Associate
National Youth Employment Coalition
1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 719
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 659-1064
Fax: (202) 775-9733
Norwalk
Mentor Program
The Norwalk Mentor Program matches mentors and students in a one-on-one
relationship that endures throughout the school years until high school
graduation. More than 800 employees from local business and industry, municipal
and other not-for-profit agencies, alumni associations, fraternal
organizations, church groups, and retired employees are involved in a long-term
commitment designed to improve the self-esteem, attitudes, and attendance of
deserving students from Kindergarten through Grade 12 in every school in the
Norwalk Public Schools in Connecticut. The students selected are potential
dropouts. The program has been repeated in school districts across the country
and has been recognized nationally.
Contact:
Susan G. Weinberger, Mentor
Program Director
Norwalk Mentor Program
Norwalk, CT Public Schools
125 East Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06852-6001
(203) 854-4011
Fax: (203) 854-4005
Office
of Special Populations
The Office of Special Populations, formerly Technical Assistance for Special
Populations Program (TASPP), works nationally to increase vocational program
accessibility, quality, and availability for youth and adults with special
needs. These populations include individuals with disabilities, educationally
and economically disadvantaged individuals (including foster children),
individuals with limited English proficiency, individuals who participate in
programs designed to eliminate sex bias, and individuals in correctional
institutions. The Office of Special Populations maintains a database accessible
free of charge and operates a free resource and referral service for
practitioners, policymakers, and researchers. it disseminates topical papers;
develops publications highlighting resources, exemplary programs, and other
topics of interest to the field; and conducts an annual search for exemplary
vocational programs serving special populations. The Office of Special
Populations conducts workshops and provides networking opportunities for
professionals serving special populations.
Contact:
Carolyn Maddy-Bernstein, Director
Zipura Burac Matias, Associate Director
Office of Special Populations
National Center for Research in Vocational Education
University of Illinois Site
Department of Vocational and Technical Education
345 Education Building
1310 S. Sixth Street
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 333-0807
Fax: (217) 244-5632
REAL
Enterprises
REAL Enterprises is a national organization that sponsors rural
school-incubated enterprise programs that provide students with the
opportunities to research, plan, set up, and operate their own enterprises in
cooperation with their local high school or community college. A rural
school-incubated enterprise program includes both a classroom component where
students take entrepreneurship courses for academic credit, and an experiential
component in which students create and run "honest to goodness" ventures.
Students are welcome to choose any form of business (start-up ventures,
franchises, family businesses, home-based operations) in any field
(agricultural, service, manufacturing, or retail). The businesses developed
have the potential to graduate with the students and to become independent
enterprises.
Prospective state sponsors of a rural school-incubated enterprise program have
to apply for membership in the national federation of REAL organizations.
Schools have to apply to REAL's state office (or the national organization, if
no state office yet exists) in order to be selected as a participating site.
Schools who are members of the organization are eligible to use the REAL
Enterprises' name, attend REAL training events, use REAL course and resource
materials, receive technical assistance from REAL staff, and have access to
REAL's revolving loan fund.
Contact:
Real Enterprises, Inc.
1160 S. Milledge Avenue, Suite 130
Athens, GA 30606
(706) 546 9061
Fax: (706) 353-2014
School
Based Youth Services Program
The School Based Youth Services Program (SBYSP), developed by the New Jersey
Department of Human Services, provides at-risk adolescents the opportunity to
complete their education, obtain skills that lead to employment or additional
education, and to lead a mentally and physically healthy life. Core services
include health, mental health and family counseling, employment, and drug
counseling. Adjunct services include day care, family planning, teen parenting
education, recreation, transportation, and information and referral, as well as
other services determined locally. Five vocational-technical high schools and
24 high schools participate. Grants were offered only to communities that
showed the support and participation of a broad coalition of local community
groups, teachers and parents, businesses, public agencies, nonprofit
organizations, students, and local school districts.
Contact:
Roberta Knowlton, Director
School Based Youth Services Program
New Jersey Department of Human Services
CN 700
Trenton, NJ 08625-0700
(609) 292-7816
Fax: (609) 984-7380
School-Business
Alliances and the ADA
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 prohibits employers from
discriminating against people with disabilities. The Vocational Studies Center
is conducting research which focuses on two separate but related issues:
helping schools and small businesses develop and field test alliances that
prepare quarried workers with disabilities, and helping small businesses
implement the ADA through school-business alliances.
Project objectives are to (1) help small businesses meet the ADA requirements
by developing and implementing school-business/industry alliances; (2) assist
secondary and postsecondary schools in developing school-business/industry
alliance models, practices, and products oriented toward school reforms which
emphasize serving students with disabilities; (3) develop a cadre of leadership
personnel to spearhead the implementation of the ADA and provide direction in
creating and improving school-business/industry alliances oriented toward
school reforms which emphasize serving students with disabilities; and (4)
increase the number of youth with disabilities obtaining employment in small
firms. The Center on Education and Work will identify practices that educators
and businesses can use to implement the ADA regulations and disseminate this
information through publications and workshops. This project is also known as
the ADA Project.
Contact:
Lloyd W. Tindall, Outreach Program Manager III
John Gugerty, Senior Outreach Specialist
Center on Education and Work
University of Wisconsin-Madison
964 Educational Sciences Building
1025 W. Johnson Street
Madison, WI 53706
(608) 263-3696
(608) 263-3415 Lloyd W. Tindall
(608) 263-2724 John Gugerty
Fax: (608) 262-3063
School-to-Work
Opportunities Information Center
The Information Center offers assistance and responds to questions about the
components of the School-to-Work initiative and how it fits with Goals 2000.
Other general information on school-to-work can be provided. The Information
Center also offers specific information and technical assistance on grants. The
Information Center plans to expand school-to-work services as needs increase in
the future. An automated instruction number is also available for information
by dialing (202) 260-4152 or (202) 260-4132.
Contact:
School-to-Work Opportunities
Information Center
400 Virginia Avenue, SW, Suite 210
Washington, DC 20202-7302
(202) 401-6222
Fax: (202) 205-9144
U.S.
Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights
The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces four federal statutes that prohibit
discrimination in programs and activities receiving federal financial
assistance from the U.S. Department of Education. OCR investigates complaints
filed by individuals or their representatives who believe that they have been
discriminated against because of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap,
or age. It also initiates compliance reviews of recipient institutions and
agencies, and monitors the progress in eliminating discriminatory practices of
institutions and agencies that are implementing plans negotiated by OCR. OCR
attempts to resolve compliance problems identified in the course of an
investigation through negotiation. However, if unable to do so, OCR will
initiate the actions necessary to enforce the law.
As part of its technical assistance activities, OCR distributes information and
materials, and provides consultation on the requirements of the civil rights
laws under its authority.
OCR maintains a headquarters office in Washington, DC, and ten regional offices
throughout the United States. For more information about the civil rights laws
OCR enforces, how to file a complaint, or how to obtain technical assistance,
write or telephone the OCR regional office that serves your state or
territory.
Contact:
Norma Cantu, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
330 C Street, SW
Room 5000 (Switzer)
Washington, DC 20202-1100
(202) 205-5413
Fax: (202) 205-5381
U.S.
Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs
The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) administers programs relating
to the free appropriate public education of all children, youth, and adults
with disabilities. OSEP oversees programs to expand and improve special
education, administers grants to state education agencies to help local and
state districts serve children and youth with special needs, and monitors state
programs to ensure that students with disabilities receive appropriate
education and that their rights and those of their parents or guardians are
protected. OSEP also administers programs to train special education teachers
and conducts research in improved methods of special education. Some grants are
given to all the states according to a formula prescribed in congressional
legislation authorizing the program; others are awarded to individuals or
institutions on the merit of competitive applications.
OSEP supports institutional or individual research projects that investigate
ways to assist youth with special needs in making the transition into
employment These programs educate learning-disabled students, place mildly
disabled students into general education programs, and establish intervention
strategies for adolescents with serious emotional disturbances. OSEP also funds
programs that offer transition services for older students with disabilities
who are leaving school-based programs to enter postsecondary school, employment
programs, or other community activities, and assists with cooperative
programming among vocational rehabilitation, special education, research, and
other programs.
Contact:
Thomas F. Hehir, Director
Office of Special Education Programs
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Switzer Building, Room 3086, M/S 2570
Washington, DC 20202
(202) 205-5507
Fax: (202) 260-0416
U.S.
Department of Education, Office of Vocational and Adult Education
The mission of the Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE) is to
provide leadership and resources for improving the quality, accountability, and
accessibility of vocational-technical education and adult education and
literacy programs throughout the nation. In implementing the reauthorization of
the Perkins Act, OVAE seeks to improve accountability, support Tech Prep,
integrate academics into the curricula, encourage closer links to employers,
and assist states to develop high quality state programs through the provision
of technical assistance, outreach, and information dissemination to the
field.
Contact:
Patricia W. McNeil, Assistant Secretary
Office of Vocational and Adult Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Switzer Building, Room 4090
Washington, DC 20202-7100
(202) 205-5451
Fax: (202) 205-8748
U.S.
Department of Labor, Federal Committee on Apprenticeship
Established by charter to advise the U.S. Secretary of Labor on matters
pertaining to the U.S. apprenticeship system, the FCA consists of
representatives of employers, labor, education, and others. It has established
nine subcommittees on which it relies to provide information and recommended
actions for consideration. In addition, the FCA receives information and
suggestions from many other sources such as Congress, U.S. Department of Labor
officials, U.S. Department of Education officials, and other public and private
organizations or agencies.
A Subcommittee on Outreach to Underrepresented Groups has been established to
identify problems and barriers to the increased participation of
underrepresented groups, specifically women and people of color, and to
identify and evaluate successful strategies to overcome those barriers. U.S.
Department of Labor officials, other Federal Agency representatives, and
outside organization staff have met with the Subcommittee to discuss the
barriers, problems, and activities to help overcome them. Contact the U.S.
Department of Labor for a description of recent FCA activities and a listing of
FCA publications.
Contact:
Anthony Swoop, Director
Federal Committee on Apprenticeship
FPB/BAT
U.S. Department of Labor
200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N4649
Washington, DC 20210
(202) 219-5943
(202) 219-5921
Fax: (202) 219-5428
U.S.
Department of Labor, Women's Bureau
The Women's Bureau works to improve the economic status of women by seeking
equity in employment policies. The Bureau also disseminates information about
women and works to support the development of programs that enhance women's job
skills and employment potential. It has operated several projects which served
such groups as rural women, single heads of households, low-income women,
female offenders, minority women, young female adults, and displaced
homemakers/mature women. The projects developed for these populations provided
training in job and employment readiness skills, job placement, support
services, and information sharing through various types of networks.
In order to facilitate the replication of effective practices, the Women's
Bureau produces and disseminates program guides. These guides are intended for
community-based organizations and local and state governmental units concerned
with increasing the employment opportunities of women and assisting them toward
achieving greater economic self-sufficiency. Resources to assist women in
obtaining training and employment in nontraditional jobs are also available
from the Bureau.
Contact:
Women's Bureau
U.S. Department of Labor
Division of Publications and Information
200 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20210
(202) 219-6652
Fax: (202) 219-5529
Vocational-Technical
Education Consortium of States
The Vocational-Technical Education Consortium of States (V-TECS) promotes the
systematic development and implementation of the concept of competency-based
vocational-technical education. Through V-TECS, states share the work and cost
of identifying competencies and developing competency-based curriculum
materials. V-TECS produces three major products and provides two important
services in the fields of agricultural/agriculture business occupations;
business, marketing, and management; health occupations; home economics; and
technical/trade and industrial occupations. V-TECS products, suitable for use
in all public and private sector education and training programs, are catalogs
of performance objectives and performance guides, curriculum guides, and
criterion-referenced test item banks. Services include the following: ACROS,
Automated Cross Referencing Occupational System and customized inservice
programs, workshops, seminars, and technical assistance. V-TECS curriculum
guides translate duties, tasks, standards, and performance steps from a catalog
into instructional activities and resources.
The State Agencies responsible for the administration of programs defined in
the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Act may participate as
full members of the Consortium. Currently, there are 24 full member states:
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana,
Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Jersey,
Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
Associate membership in V-TECS is open to the military services and other
agencies or organizations.
V-TECS products and services are available at a discount in V-
TECS
member states. V-TECS' resources may be applicable to the following
requirements of the 1990 Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology
Education Act: (1) developing a core set of outcomes and measures of
performance which measure learning, competency gains, and competency
attainment; (2) developing students individualized education programs; (3)
implementing articulation agreements for Tech Prep programs; and (4) developing
sequential courses of study.
Contact:
Brenda Hattaway, Assistant Director
Vocational-Technical Education Consortium of States
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
1866 Southern Lane
Decatur, GA 30033-4097
(404) 679-4500
(404) 679-4501, ext. 540
(800) 248-7701
Fax: (404) 679-4556
Wider
Opportunities for Women
This nonprofit organization works nationally and in Washington, DC, to achieve
economic independence and equality of opportunity for women and girls. Wider
Opportunities for Women (WOW) leads the Women's Work Force Network (WWFN) which
is comprised of over 460 independent women's employment programs and advocates
in 49 states plus the District of Columbia. Each year WOW's Network serves more
than a quarter of a million women seeking employment information, counseling,
training, and jobs. Through some of its current projects, WOW consults with
school systems to improve vocational education opportunities for women and
girls, provides staff development to organizations interested in teaching
literacy in the contexts of employment or intergenerational programs, and
provides technical assistance to the national job training community on
nontraditional employment.
Publications on WOW advocacy and research activities concerning vocational
education programs for women and girls are available for sale by mail. Contact
WOW for a publications list.
Contact:
Kristin Watkins, Public Policy Director
Wider Opportunities for Women
815 15th Street, NW, Suite 916
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 638-3143
Fax: (202) 638-4885
Women
Work! The National Network for Women's Employment
Women Work! The National Network for Women's Employment, formerly the National
Displaced Homemakers Network (NDHN), works to empower displaced homemakers of
all racial and ethnic backgrounds and assists them to achieve economic
self-sufficiency through its various programs and services. Women Work! affects
public policy by working with lawmakers and business leaders to create and
strengthen programs that help displaced homemakers attain these goals. The
network acts as a clearinghouse to provide communications, technical
assistance, public information, data collection, legislative monitoring,
funding information, and other services. It maintains a program data library,
including annual reports, flyers, manuals, and other materials. The network
also compiles statistics and provides referrals, information on research in
progress, and publication distribution.
Contact:
Jill Miller, Executive Director
Rubic G. Coles, Executive Director
Women Work!
1625 K Street, NW, Suite 300
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 467-6346
Fax: (202) 467-5366
Work
Keys
Work Keys is a national system for teaching and assessing employability skills.
It has four essential, interactive components: (1) a systematic process for
profiling individual jobs according to the specific skills they require, (2) a
variety of tests and assessment procedures for measuring a person's job-related
skills, (3) innovative formats for recording and reporting assessment results,
and (4) instructional materials and resources directly related to skills that
are profiled and assessed. The system will be especially useful in addressing
the needs of high school students who are neither college bound nor in
traditional vocational programs, in postsecondary institutions,
employer-sponsored training programs, or second-chance training programs such
as JTPA. It is designed to ease transitions from one environment to another and
help eliminate barriers that discourage individual growth and
development.
In addition to reading, writing, and computation skills, Work Keys will assess
such general employability skills as problem solving (critical reasoning);
scientific reasoning; organizational effectiveness (leadership); interpersonal,
negotiation, and teamwork; motivation and self-development; listening and oral
communication; and "ability to learn." It will also help individuals develop
needed skills in all of these areas.
When completed, Work Keys may be used to determine a person's levels of
competency in a broad array of skill areas and then match them with the
requirements for specific jobs. The system as envisioned will be implemented
mainly through state departments of education and state postsecondary education
agencies and institutions, as well as in employee training. American College
Testing is developing Work Keys in cooperation with employers, state education
agencies, and the American Association of Community and Junior Colleges.
Contact:
Sherry Child, Consultant
Work Keys
ACT National Headquarters
P.O. Box 168
Iowa City, IA 52243
(319) 337-1717
Fax: (319) 337-1725