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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore how vocational education and training (VET) in Ukraine has changed since the Soviet era; and to determine its structure, successes, and challenges. Design/methodology/approach – The author conducted interviews and tours at 15 vocational schools in seven cities in Ukraine. Findings – Ukraine is struggling to establish itself as an independent, modern country; education includes elements from the Soviet era and contemporary European practices; the VET system is taking on the state-regulated bureaucratic model; it has mixed success mainly due to economic development; social support for secondary students is very strong. Research limitations/implications – Since Ukraine will eventually be a key player in international relations, it is important for scholars to understand how the VET system is developing. Originality/value – This study provides an in-depth view of VET in this once closed country which is now susceptible to influence from Russia and Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose |!|#8211; The purpose of this project was to create a contemporary taxonomy of Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher competencies in order to evaluate and improve CTE teacher education. Design/methodology/approach |!|#8211; This study utilized a modified Delphi technique with a large sample of CTE experts |!|#8211; teachers, administrators, and teacher-educators in the state of Michigan, USA to identify the competencies and their relative importance. Findings |!|#8211; As a result, new competencies were added and a number of old competencies were deleted or changed. The product of this research is a matrix of 144 competencies in 13 categories, which also shows the level of importance and degree of consensus for each competency. Research limitations/implications |!|#8211; The state plans to use the new competencies for a variety of purposes, however caution is advised for making conclusions and generalizations from the study for other applications. Practical implications |!|#8211; Using the matrix as its infrastructure, CTE teacher-education institutions can assess their curricula to determine where the competencies are addressed, and use it in the form of a follow-up survey with recent graduates. CTE administrators might utilize the competencies for internal evaluation of new teachers and as a needs assessment for professional development. Originality/value |!|#8211; Any effort to improve CTE teaching and teacher-education, by researchers or policy-makers, should begin with a consensus on the competencies required for successful teaching and learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to introduce a model for preparing young people to live in a global society.Design/methodology/approach – This paper discusses the need for a new approach to education that transcends subject disciplines and institutional boundaries by taking a global perspective; it provides a background of previous curriculum ideas, presents a multi-dimensional model of educating for the future, and opens a dialogue on the implications for educators and policy makers.Findings – The curriculum model for educating future citizens starts with a foundation of academics (contextual math and science), vocational skills and technological literacy, and process skills, which include system thinking and problem solving. The second level of the model consists of the study of world history and geography, and the language and culture of other countries. The third layer of the curriculum is altruism for people, the planet, and the future. The rationale for each component and specific teaching strategies are also presented.Originality/value – As civilization makes the transition from the industrial era to one of sustainability, educational leaders around the globe ought to implement a learning system that prepares its young people for life in a unified society. This paper provides a starting point to explore what skills and concepts students should be studying to lead the future. The curriculum model provides an explicit outline of some of the competencies that will likely be required for whatever world scenario emerges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides an in-depth analysis of recent graduates' experience with completing an engineering technology program and entering the profession. It is unique because the study was conducted on a baccalaureate-level program and because it helps fill a gap in the literature. The phenomenological method was used to obtain qualitative data to understand the personal meaning of the process for the participants. Findings include positive perceptions about the curriculum and faculty, and some areas for improvement. The graduates found personal meaning especially in their capstone course and by being involved with the engineering student organization. There are implications for program evaluation and educational leadership. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents an analysis of national data from the Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program regarding articulation agreements for the transfer of 2-year technical degrees to baccalaureate degrees. Quantitative and qualitative data are illustrated to help explain the extent to which ATE projects improve access to universities for technical students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the creation of a career opportunities matrix for technology students. Illustration of a career matrix; Creation of new career paths; Process of developing career paths; Value of the career matrix as a tool for career awareness, information, planning and decision making.