February 24, 1993
Kathleen Nicholson-Tosh, Manager
Secondary Programs and
Services
Department of Adult, Vocational and Technical Education
Illinois
State Board of Education
100 North First Street
Springfield, IL
62777
Dear Ms. Nicholson-Tosh:
The National Center for Research in Vocational Education has funded a research
project, under my direction, to examine "informal" integration of vocational
and academic education by secondary school teachers. The intent of the study
is to identify and describe classroom techniques used by vocational teachers to
incorporate academic content into their teaching. The study is currently being
piloted in Illinois and will encompass several midwestern states.
I write to ask your assistance in identifying pilot sites for us to study in
Illinois. Could you and/or appropriate staff members identify what you
consider to be the top 10 programs in Illinois in each of the areas of
Agriculture/Horticulture, Home Economics, Health Occupations, Business
Education, and Industrial/Technology Education? We will then conduct telephone
interviews with teachers in your recommended programs, and eventually select
2-3 teachers for in-depth on-site interviews. The only caveat I would make at
this time is to emphasize that we are looking for informal integration.
In other words, I am seeking teachers who integrate their instruction of their
own volition and not as part of a larger requirement or project such as a Tech
Prep initiative.
Either I or a member of my staff will follow up with you by telephone soon in
order to provide any clarification you may require and/or listen to any
suggestions you might have. I regret having to intrude on your already busy
schedule, but would greatly appreciate your assistance.
Thank you very much for your attention.
Best regards,
Chris A. Roegge
Assistant Professor and Project Director