Future Events Impacting Occupational Education: A Report on the OCTOC Study. Vol. 2.

Overview & Synopsis

This study utilized the techniques of future casting to generate a series of alternative futures from which policy implications for occupational education in central New York could be derived. Using the statements of future events derived from the first phase of the study, a series of twelve alternative scenarios were developed: (1) the changing social paradigm, (2) the graying of America, (3) the automated technological future, (4) the emergence of the public service economy, (5) the future of agriculture, (6) the high cost of medical education, (7) the escalation toward corporate occupational education, (8) the occupational education alternative, (9) reestablishing economic leadership, (10) meritocracy in employment, (11) public and private reaction to work shift values, and (12) education for work. These scenarios were analyzed by the regional occupational education planning committee to determine possible implications for occupational education programs relative to seven variables: curricula, instructional strategies, administration, students, faculty, resource allocations, and facilities. (Findings are reported in a series of charts which summarize specific trends and their implications for occupational education. The trends are grouped into seven categories: labor force, attitudes/values, educational policy and practice, demographic changes, technological changes, ecology, and public and social policy.) (LRA)