Doctoral Dissertations

Date of Award

3-1983

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education

Major Professor

George W. Wiegers Jr.

Committee Members

G. K. LaBorde, Carroll Coakley, Siegfried C. Dietz

Abstract

Purpose of the Study

The major reason for this study was to identify secondary school principals' perceptions toward vocational education in these broad areas:

1. Knowledge of vocational programs.

2. Attitudes about skill development.

3. Understanding the purpose of vocational education.

4. Knowledge of vocational funding.

5. Understanding of advisory committees.

6. Knowledge of vocational certification and training.

Demographic variables were analyzed to determine relationships with the foregoing broad areas.

Procedure

The data needed for this study were derived from the personal data form and the questionnaire. Data were collected and processed from one hundred and fifty randomly selected secondary school principals in the State of Tennessee.

The personal information from the respondents was tabulated by number and percent and recorded in a table. The information obtained from the questionnaire was presented in tabular and narrative form. The scores from the urban and rural sector were subjected to a pooled t test.

Conclusions

The conclusions of the study were as follows:

1. It was impossible to determine if a difference existed in principals' perceptions toward vocational education and their years of experience.

2. There was no significant difference in the perceptions of rural and urban administrators toward vocational education.

3. There was administrator support for vocational programs.

4. The image of vocational education was good.

5. Vocational programs should not be decreased or limited.

6. Advisory committees could be used more in vocational programs.

7. Principals did not have adequate knowledge of vocational education.

8. An additional course for vocational teachers would be helpful.

9. Vocational programs should equip students with salable skills and geographic mobility.

Recommendations

1. Other variables should be correlated with principals' attitudes to vocational education.

2. Vocational education should continue to be an important part of the school program for all students.

3. Local communities and advisory committees should share in formulating vocational curriculums.

4. Federal funding should be used to supplement vocational programs.

5. Principals should complete one vocational education course and/or internship program.

6. Trade and industrial teachers should not be required to hold a baccalaureate degree before teaching.

7. Trade and industrial teachers should meet current certification requirements, but not necessarily have a baccalaureate degree before teaching.

8. Vocational programs should not be limited only to special groups of students but should be provided for all those who need, want, and could use the instruction.

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