The New Vocationalism: What It Is, What It Could Be.

摘要: The development of integrated instruction organized around broadly defined occupations - or a combination occupations, social problems, and other engaging topics provides the opportunity to create heterogeneous forms schooling that are "separate but equal." Such principled heterogeneity represents relatively egalitarian way respond diversity in all its forms, Mr. Grubb suggests. Vocationalism is rampant once again. claims ought better prepare workers for 21st century have become increasingly strident since publication A Nation at Risk more than decade ago. Various practices incorporate work-related skills into curriculum been proposed, most recent initiative Clinton Administration School-to-Work Opportunities Act 1994 has attracted an amazing amount attention what is, after all, piddling program. No one proposing resurrect conventional vocational education, notion public education should be "relevant" our country's economic future widespread. How respond? movements within "new vocationalism" include many odd partners with wildly differing ideas how imperatives. Some atavistic; others claim discovered such new directions as shift "high-skills economy"; still rediscovered long checkered histories schools, work-based learning. Many these reforms potential improve teaching But nature reforms, their links purposes, specific ways which they might learning remain murky. Moreover, only barely emerging. In this article I disentangle strands renewed interest occupational purposes schooling, concentrating on high school institution seems both least successful resistant change. After describing five different versions vocationalism," interpret changes through matrix approaches pedagogy academic content. penultimate section examines context final prospects reform. There strong reasons think enduring possible, there equally powerful forces sweep away innovative aspects vocationalism." Our tasks identify those elements merit widespread adoption institutionalize them so not blown by first winds pedagogical conservatism. Practices 'New Vocationalism' Risk, generally conceded spark ignited current reform movement, epitomizes strand vocationalism. great threat was "a rising tide mediocrity" causing decline competitiveness Japanese, South Koreans, Germans. Subsequent commission reports picked up rationale reform, titles Higher Education American Resurgence. To sure, emphasis roles leavened nod importance preparing well-informed citizenry: Resurgence approvingly quoted Thomas Jefferson subject. connection between democracy came off afterthought. dominant given indeed, apparent utilitarian reports, report Secretary [of Labor]'s Commission Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS), What Work Requires Schools preparation workers. content recommended "New Basics": English, math, science, studies, (the novelty) half year computer science. …