Cooperative Education in 2 Yr. Colleges. Guidelines for Program Development. Research Pub. 80-8

Overview & Synopsis

Intended primarily for directors and coordinators of cooperative education at New York two-year colleges, this guide presents a systematic approach to development of cooperative education and provides means for review and improvement. Part 1 offers results of a statewide survey of two-year colleges in New York regarding work experience options and cooperative education offered, review of literature on cooperative education, a systems definition of cooperative education, and issues in cooperative education. In part 2 two-year college cooperative education options are discussed that illustrate the range of practices in use in New York. Six factors that provide a focus for program development are used as major headings for discussion--administrative structure, quality and growth, evaluating the work experience, job development, college support, and student concerns. Under each heading components are discussed in alphabetical order. Part 3 suggests procedures for dealing with three basic concerns of directors of cooperative education: resources, support, and career opportunities. Evaluation of cooperative education is the focus of part 4. Appendixes, amounting to over one-half of the report, include an annotated bibliography, discussion of Appalachian Regional Commission and Comprehensive Employment and Training Act funding, suggested curriculum for pre-cooperative course, and sample forms. (YLB)