Masters Theses

Date of Award

8-1990

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Education

Major Professor

Roger Haskell

Committee Members

Gerald Cheek, Ed Mann

Abstract

The primary purpose of this research was to determine the extent to which there was articulation between secondary and postsecondary occupational programs in the State of Tennessee. More specifically, this study sought to determine both ideal and actual articulation practices based on the perceptions of postsecondary community college articulation coordinators and secondary vocational directors within a thirty mile radius of each of the eleven identified public institutions. The study also attempted to identify barriers to the articulation process. The population for the study consisted of 83 occupational administrators/specialists from Tennessee's secondary and postsecondary institutions--34 from East Tennessee, 24 from Middle Tennessee, and 25 from West Tennessee. From this total who were initially contacted, 65 responded to the Vocational Articulation Practices and Deterrents Instrument (VAPADI). Of the eleven coordinators of articulation at each community college, eleven responded (100%). Of the 72 vocational directors at the identified secondary institutions, 54 responded (75%). Overall response rate was 78%. Within the parameters of the study the following conclusions are warranted: 1. The current level of articulation activity between secondary and postsecondary occupational programs is limited. 2. In the majority of instances, the respondents were in agreement as to the common elements of practice which would contribute to the establishment of an ideal articulation climate. 3. In the majority of instances, however, respondents agreed that the institutions they represented were not, in fact, employing these essential practices. 4. There is a lack of empirical evidence to measure what is occurring in the articulation process due to lax and/or nonexistent methods of record-keeping. A statewide system of accountability is lacking. 5. The Tennessee Board of Regents Policy No. 2:01:00:03 outlining the Principles for Articulation in Vocational/Technical Education has not been well publicized to students, guidance counselors, or secondary systems. This critical link should be a primary focus for postsecondary institutions in the immediate future. The recommendations based on the findings of this study focused on the development and implementation of a strategic plan and/or model to effectively establish the articulation of occupational programs. This strategic plan should be systematic, selective, responsive to both secondary and postsecondary needs, and cooperative. Furthermore, the plan should include written policies/procedures, accelerating mechanisms, coordinated services, uniform classification based upon compatible curricula, sequencing consistency, and program integrity. Deterrents which have been identified in this study should be removed, particularly in the critical area of communication. Narrow parochialism should be actively discouraged. Collaboration and cooperation should be encouraged to improve the existing situation for the benefit of all Tennessee students.

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