Effectiveness of Cooperative Training Component in Postsecondary Vocational/Technical Programs. Final Report.

Overview & Synopsis

A study examined the effectiveness of the cooperative training component of the vocational/technical programs at 30 junior and community colleges and technical institutes throughout Texas. Data were collected from 353 cooperative education students (of 445 contacted), 108 coordinators (of 160 contacted), and 121 work site supervisors (of 488 contacted). Cooperative education was found to be active and functioning in Texas postsecondary institutions and to command a positive attitude from students, coordinators, and supervisors. A wide variation was found among cooperative education components at individual campuses and among programs within campuses. Few state guidelines exist for cooperative education, and those that have been delineated by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) have not been implemented at certain times and in certain institutions. Therefore, the goals of postsecondary cooperative education in Texas should be reexamined, and appropriate state guidelines should be developed. (Appendixes include a glossary; TEA program standards; list of advisory committee members; map showing the distribution of study participants; pilot study evaluation forms; study-related correspondence; worksite supervisor, coordinator, and student questionnaires; and evaluation of the study results, conclusions, and recommendations.) (MN)