School-To-Work Programs - report - Brief Article

School Administrator, August, 2001

A report from Teachers College at Columbia University indicates a new consensus of research on school-to-work activities, such as job shadowing, make a difference in student outcomes.

The Institute on Education and the Economy's report, School-to-Work: Making a Difference in Education, analyzed the wealth of studies that focus on the evaluation of school-to-work initiatives. It is a comprehensive compilation of research examining the effects of recent school-to-work efforts and serves as a status report on the movement. Among the findings:

* Many studies show participation in school-to-work supports academic achievement by reducing the dropout rate and increasing college enrollment; and

* School-to-work contributes significantly to students' career preparation through exploration activities and work-based learning experiences that teach students skills that are useful in careers.

A copy of the report is available by calling Katherine Hughes at 212-678-3091.