School-to-Work System Development Needs: Perspectives of Local Education Agencies

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine school-to-work system development from local education agency perspectives in order to inform state and local implementation activities. One hundred-seven district administrators responded to a statewide survey regarding school-to-work activities in regular and special education. Descriptive statistics and qualitative analyses were used to characterize participants' responses. Local education agencies identified the most pressing system needs as (a) enhanced partnerships with local businesses, (b) staff development, and (c) guidelines for implementation. The need for more substantive dialogue between state and local education agencies' business representatives, and the community regarding the goals of a comprehensive school-to-work system was discussed.