Improving Enrollments in Business Teacher Education Programs.

Overview & Synopsis

Representatives from 154 National Association for Business Teacher Education institutions responded to a questionnaire designed to elicit responses about the most effective recruiting practices for business teacher education programs. Several questions were included to determine the present status of business education programs and trends in these programs since 1982. Data revealed enrollments are increasing in business teacher education in about 45 percent of responding colleges of business and education. Enrollment trends for administrative office management programs did not look as encouraging. Respondents cited as key ingredients necessary for maintenance and/or growth of a quality business education program the following attributes (in order of decreasing mention): relevant, innovative, complete programs; competent staff; strong recruitment program; modern equipment; administrative support; availability of jobs and better salaries; interaction with public schools; and program reputation and graduate quality. Recruiting techniques respondents listed as successful included letter writing, school visits, student organizations, sponsor activities, student teachers, alumni, newsletters, advisory committees, campus recruiting, and professional activities. (YLB)