CEW Annual Reports:
2000-2001 Annual Report to Dean Charles Read
The Center on Education and Work (Center) had a very productive year in the areas
of research, technical assistance and the development of new products in 2000-2001.
The work of the Center's staff is reflected in a variety of research projects including
the study of block vs. traditional scheduling, youth apprenticeships, and school
reform related to students with disabilities; professional development through the
Education and Work Leadership Program and a web-based summer college preparation
course; contextual teaching and learning through the TeachNet Project; and evaluation
of school-to-work transition and school-to-career partnerships. These projects have
generated numerous reports, which have resulted in presentations at national, regional,
and state conferences. In addition, the Center staff has provided leadership in
the area of career development through the nationally recognized Careers Conference,
customized on-site workshops, Career Development Facilitator courses, summer institutes,
publications, and the Wisconsin Careers Internet site. These technical assistance
endeavors provide opportunities to share best practices in career and technical
education with individuals in a wide variety of roles in the field of education,
including educational leaders in elementary and secondary schools, as well as post-secondary
institutions:
- On April 17, 2001, the Center held its first meeting, entitled Developing Research-Based
Practices in Midwest High Schools: An Invitational Seminar for Local Leaders, with
approximately 40 educational leaders in attendance at Grainger Hall. Sessions focused
on research and funding opportunities to address the issues, challenges, and resources
available to integrate career development systems and continuous educational improvement
efforts. Potential opportunities to enhance Center-local partnerships were also
explored.
- On April 30 and May 1, 2001, the Center participated in a routine 10-year external
review of operations called for by School of Education policy. In preparation for
this review Center staff developed a web site, including an on-line survey of over
140 former Center customers. Independent interviewers contacted former Center clients
for more in-depth input. The review team was composed of seven educators, who represented
a variety of expertise from secondary, technical, and higher education across several
different fields. Their report outlined the Center's strengths and discussed possible
strategies to address the challenges of the future. The Center staff has begun work
to explore the recommendations in this report.
- The Center administration and staff developed numerous proposals during the year
and continue to work toward adding to the critical body of knowledge regarding education
and work by identifying emerging best practices in the following strategic areas
of focus: Career Development; Curriculum, Learning, Assessment, and Professional
Development; Education and Learning in the Workplace; Equity and Special Populations;
and Evaluation and Continuous Improvement.
The Center staff remains committed to excellence in implementing our mission that-
enables educators to engage youth and adults in learning and career development
experiences that lead to meaningful and productive careers. Toward that end, the
Center undertakes research, development, and capacity-building technical assistance
activities to strengthen the connections among educational institutions, workplaces,
communities, and families. Ultimately, the Center efforts are designed to enhance
the quality of career-related learning in schools, colleges, and the workplace for
all individuals.