The Implementation and Further Development of Experimental Cluster Concept Programs Through Testing and Evaluation Including Placement and Follow-Up of Subjects. The Cluster Concept Project, Phase IV. Final Report.

The Cluster Concept Program (CCP) for 11th and 12th grade vocational education, has completed its second year. The program is designed to prepare youth for entry level capability in a variety of related occupations rather than a specific occupation. A pretest/posttest research design, with control and experimental group design in construction cluster groups, metal fabrication cluster groups, and electromechanical cluster groups was used to obtain an estimate of the effectiveness of the programs. It was found that in some schools the programs did significantly change the student behaviors in the direction of the state objectives of the programs. Changes in cognitive abilities, broadened knowledge and job interests, flexibility of occupational choice and growth in the performance of skill tasks were observed. The appendixes contain measurement instruments and achievement tests used in program evaluation. Related course outlines and final reports are available as ED 010 301-ED 010 304, ED 016 841-ED 016 844 and ED 022 965. (GR)