This project depended on the skills and dedication of many individuals. First and foremost, the project greatly benefited from the enthusiasm of seven teachers and one teacher-trainer who agreed to participate in the mini-sabbatical pilot test in the summer of 1996. Since they participated in the research project under conditions of confidentiality, we can not thank them by name. The collaboration between the teachers and the RAND team was essential to the success of the project, and we cannot thank them enough for their willingness to work hard, explore new ideas and teaching practices, and support each other in the process.
The classroom teaching portion of the mini-sabbatical was conducted at Woodrow Wilson High School in Los Angeles. We thank Ina Roth, principal, and her staff for providing the facilities and helping to recruit student participants.
Kim Ramsey and Cathy Stasz co-directed the project. Kim Ramsey was the lead trainer for the mini-sabbatical course. Tor Ormseth and Jennifer Co, research assistants, were responsible for all the logistics of conducting the mini-sabbatical. Tor Ormseth and RAND researchers Rick Eden and Brian Stecher contributed to the curriculum development and training. David Adamson, RAND communications analyst, organized the mini-sabbatical materials into a coherent whole. Tor Ormseth, David Adamson, Erika Nielsen Andrew and an anonymous reviewer provided many helpful and insightful comments and suggestions for improving this report. Donna White prepared the manuscripts and throughout the project provided her always able assistance.
We dedicate this project to the late Charles S. Benson, director of the National Center for Research in Vocational Education from 1988-1993. His vision for education continues to inspire us.