An Evaluation of Work Experience Programmes Operating in Government Secondary Schools in Western Australia. Discussion Paper No. 10.

This report describes a 1979-80 study of work experience programs in secondary schools in Western Australia and assessment of Education Department guidelines and support structures available to schools. Following a brief introduction (chapter 1), chapter 2 discusses the history and organization of work experience, a popular transition education activity. A rationale for work experience is developed in chapter 3 by illustrating related transition ideas. Chapter 4 outlines study design and methodology. It presents objectives and criteria and describes the questionnaire survey of all government schools and subsequent case studies of seven of them. Chapters 5 and 6 present study findings. Chapter 5 focuses on dimensions, aims, and operational features of work experience programs in the schools. These conclusions are made: (1) teachers, employers, parents, and students are in favor of the programs; (2) many teachers consider the programs time-consuming and largely irrelevant; (3) responsibility is commonly given to one staff member; and (4) schools need assistance in adapting guidelines to their particular situations. Chapter 6 discusses issues that emerged from data, including coordination, integration, support structures for work experience, sex role stereotyping, rural schools, and effectiveness of guidelines. Chapter 7 generalizes conclusions. Appendixes include discussion of initiatives in transition education and survey questionnaires. (YLB)