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Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

Volume II, Number 1

Summer 2006

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Table of Contents


Does Generation Status Matter? An Examination of Latino College Completers

By Cecilia Maldonado

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Abstract

Attendance and graduation rates of Latinos in institutions of higher education in the United States are improving. Educational attainment is critical to upward mobility in the labor market (Kao & Thompson, 2003; Erlach, 2000; Morales, 2000). College completion rates and earning a degree are significant predictors of earning potential and occupational choice (Morales, 2000). The Latino population is growing faster than any other group and has the highest (35.5%) proportion of people younger than age 18 (NCLR, 2001; U.S. Census Bureau, 2000; Schmidt, 2003). This paper reports the results of a descriptive and inferential study, which examined Latino college completers and the differences in completion rates of Latino subgroups when they were classified by their generation status. Specifically, this study focused on the completion of degrees at the associate level and below, research that is lacking in the literature. Findings show: (a) Hispanic achievement and generation status are independent of each other, (b) Hispanics, in general, do not complete postsecondary credentials in large numbers, (c) of those that do finish, some complete programs that lead to diplomas, certificates, and associate degrees (see Table 8), but do not complete programs considered to lead to high-skill, high wage work, (d) completion of programs that lead to diplomas, certificates, and associate degrees declines with length of time in the U.S., and (e) the various Hispanic subgroups differ in the types of programs they pursue and complete.


Integrating Cross-Cultural Elements Into Workforce Education Curriculum Design

By Lianbin Cui & Debra S. Ferdinand

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Abstract

Enrollment in U.S. universities and colleges is reflecting a more diverse student body. This diversity requires that academic departments revisit their curricula for adequately addressing the needs of students from different cultures within their programs. One such academic department is Workforce Education and Development (WED), which prepares students for highly technological and knowledge-based occupations of the diverse 21st Century workforce. A main mechanism for partly meeting such diversification is to modify an existing curriculum to accommodate the multicultural backgrounds of students. In this theoretical article, the authors reviewed research and literature on instructional systems design as well as cross-cultural issues for international students in higher education. The article presents the authors’ conclusion that there is scope for integrating cross-cultural elements into general workforce education curriculum design and proposes a theoretical framework based on social cognitive theory and the instructional design model for effecting this integration.


The Effects of Psychosocial Factors on Career and Workforce Development for Students with Learning Disabilities

By Stephanie L. Lusk & Dominick Fazarro

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Abstract

Individuals with learning disabilities are at a disadvantage when it comes to career and workforce development. Certain factors such as socioeconomic factors, parent’s educational level and occupations, as well as grade point average and previous work/volunteer experience affect factors that are imperative to the successful transition from school to work such as decision making, problem solving and career exploration. This segment of the population holds much potential for the advancement of our workforce and economy; however, they seem to be an untapped resource even though certain laws and incentives have been put into place to increase the hiring of these individuals. After identifying factors that negatively affect their workforce development, it is important that courses and/or workshops are put into place that will assist them when maneuvering through the challenges that come along with making decisions about careers and eventually moving into the workforce.


A Descriptive Study on the Preparation of Student Teachers to Work with Diverse Populations

By Dexter Wakefield, B. Allen Talbert, & Seburn Pense

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Abstract

If the agricultural education profession is to attract a more diverse audience to pursue agriculture as a viable career path, the secondary teacher education pathway must be reevaluated. The purpose of the study was to describe the degree to which the involved agricultural education programs prepared their students to work with diverse populations. The study also examined attitudes and beliefs of the student teachers regarding diversity. The results of the study suggest that this group of student teachers was not adequately exposed to diversity neither in their student teaching experience nor in their university preparation. To assist the national agricultural education goal of diversity in agriculture, a national study should be conducted to determine if there is a correlation between minority enrollment in agriculture and the race and gender of the teacher educator.


Identifying the Roles and Challenges of Female Agricultural Teachers Employed in Illinois: A Descriptive Study

By Dexter Wakefield, Mandy L. Brandenburg, B. Allen Talbert, & Seburn Pense

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Abstract

In 1980, one of the first female high school agriculture teachers opened the door to her classroom at Arthur High School, Arthur, Illinois. Since that time, the number of female high school agriculture teachers has grown significantly. A descriptive study was conducted to identify and describe the roles and challenges of female high school agricultural teachers employed in Illinois. The results of the study can be used as a preparation tool for those females who decide to pursue agricultural education as a career, and can be used to encourage more female students to enter this challenging career. This study also describes the demographics, background, and support given to female teachers of agriculture in Illinois prior to and after college. Almost half the current female high school agriculture teachers are under the age of 30, and 52% of these teachers are instructors of Agricultural Mechanization, a once maledominated area of instruction.


The Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development is a peer-reviewed publication produced by the Department of Workforce Education and Development at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
ISSN 1550-347X