New Directions for Career and Technical Education in the USA
Abstract:
This paper will address new directions for career and technical education-focusing on high school education-as viewed by business persons educators, business and education associations, and policymakers. This is an outgrowth of a year-long study that included extensive data review, interviewing, focus groups, and review of contemporary reports advocating a "new" vision for career and technical education at the high school level. Paper will include data and empirical research, a grounded philosophy, themes and components for reform of career and technical education, and policy initiatives for national, state, and local education governing boards and school administrators.
Author:
Richard Lynch
Dr. Richard L. Lynch is currently Co-Director of the Occupational Research Group and Professor of Occupational Studies at the University of Georgia. He is directing several studies for federal and state agencies, notably on contextual teaching and learning, reform of the American high school, and connections between education and workforce development. He was formerly Director of the School of Leadership and Lifelong Learning at UGA, and professor of career and technical education and site director for the National Center for Research in Vocational Educational at Virginia Tech.
In 1999, Lynch was on leave from UGA and on a special assignment with the U. S. Department of Education. He consulted with the Office of Vocational and Adult Education, high school principals, business and education coalitions, and policymakers on new directions for high school vocational education and the related preparation of teachers. He has published an analysis and synthesis text, several journal articles, and other pieces for the popular press on his year's work and vision for career and technical education in the new century. This paper is based on Lynch's work while at the U. S. Department of Education.
In addition to the above, Lynch has authored over 100 publications related to education reform, career and technical education, teacher education, and work-based learning.