Abstract This research study examines Duval County schools in order to determine whether a vocational training program will facilitate better student achievement and reduce delinquency in the community. Specifically the researcher attempts to examine whether current educational programs are meeting the needs of students including those at high risk. The researcher uses a case study approach to examine data from Duval County School Districts and The City of Jacksonville Department of Justice.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Problem Statement
Background Problem Duval County School
Background Problem Duval County Department of Juvenile Justice Objectives
Literature Review
Characteristics of Vocational Education
Advantages Vocational Training
Methodology
Research Design
Data Analysis
Results and Findings
Summary
Recommendations
From the Paper "Frequently reported reasons for dropping out among student populations include students (1) finding school boring and (2) students perceived inability to graduate (Kaminski, 1993: 563). High absenteeism, work preferences and familial problems also contribute to higher dropout rates (Kaminski, 1993). Counseling for high risk students and more hands on training and interaction are often recommended to assist students that fall within the high risk population (Kaminski, 1993). This suggests a vocational or technical training program would ideally solve many of the problems currently found within the Duval County School district. Students more likely to drop out or fail to succeed in school also often lack support from parents, and parents rarely have education levels that include a high school diploma or sufficient literacy , which matches the profile of many parents in Duval County (Kaminski, 993)."
Abstract This paper deals primarily with vocational education and mentoring as it pertains to the Duval County school system, and discusses some of the problems that many individuals face when they do not get the education that they need to move into a proper career. The first chapter examines the statement of the problem and provides detail about why a study of this nature is necessary. It also discusses the research objectives that were created by the researcher and ensures that there is a thorough understanding of what will be studied.
In chapter two, the literature on the subject is reviewed. Since there is not enough literature to provide a comprehensive account of vocational education when it comes to Duval County, other areas of vocational education and mentoring education are also examined. The goal is to show that vocational education is something that can affect students in all school districts and in many different circumstances. The third chapter deals with the methodology of the issue and how the study itself was conducted. The type of data collected, as well as where it came from and how it is analyzed are all important issues discussed in Chapter Three. Chapter Three also provides a strong lead-in for Chapter Four, where the data that was collected is actually analyzed. This analysis is at the heart of the study, and the objectives that were created in Chapter One are dealt with again in light of the information collected. In the last chapter, the information is summarized and conclusions are drawn about the issue. The recommendations for future research into the area of vocational education and Duval County are also provided.
Outline:
Executive Summary
Vocational Programs for At-Risk Youth:
The Case of Duval County
Statement of the Problem
Background of the Problem -- Duval County School
Background of the Problem -- Duval County Department of Juvenile Justice
Research Objectives
Chapter II -- Literature Review
Minority and At-Risk Graduation Rates
Mentoring At-Risk Youth
Characteristics of Vocational Education
Chapter IV -- Data Analysis
Chapter V -- Summary and Recommendations
Summary
Recommendations
Conclusions
Appendix
From the Paper "As Duval County continues to grow and change, one major concern is the development of the county's youth. Today, youth are faced with tremendous challenges. Many of these challenges include: drugs and alcohol, violence, impoverish living conditions, and poor educational system. In addition, many youth face the future unprepared for the advancing workforce. Youth are left feeling helpless, undereducated, hopeless, and a sense of underachievement. Sadly, this has become the reality of our society and for our youth. Vocational training program has become a better way of equipping our youth for today's workforce. Studies suggested that despite a well developed educational system and multiple programs for at risk youth, Duval County School District still has a dropout rate higher than that of other districts and numerous socio-demographic factors that are impacting students' achievement (COJ, 2003). Despite being the sixth largest school district in the area, Duval faces many unique challenges that educators and state officials are attempting to overcome. "
Tags: youth-at-risk, Duval, County, youth, mentoring
Abstract This paper discusses the issue of to what extent the creators of technology should be compensated if that technology is created under the aegis of a company. As an example it takes Duval Plastics, a 100-year-old company located in Delaware, that for many years operated on a dual career track, someone could come into the company on the sales and management side, or on the technical side. It looks at how members of the technical side feel that the marketing and management side of the dual ladder receive greater and faster compensation and how this strikes the technical people as unfair since it was their research and application that created the products that the company is selling. Through an analysis of key issues and factors, it attempts to determine who really should be compensated for the success of technological innovation.
From the Paper "If the company decides to go on a one-ladder program, it will be initiating more problems, perhaps, than it will be solving. The company must keep two separate programs going. If the advancement up the technical ladder is predicated only by time spent with the company (as some researchers feel) then they are being rewarded solely for time spent. The sales and marketing people, on the other hand, must constantly keep finding new or expanded markets for the same product. Assuming that the company does go on a single career track, that prospect can be analyzed using a SWOT analysis."
Abstract This paper reviews and then compares and contrasts the Bernard Malamud novel "The Natural" and the 1984 Hollywood movie by the same name. The paper begins with a two-page summary of the novel, calling it the greatest baseball fiction ever written. The story of a farm boy Roy Hobbs, the novel inspired the 1984 movie, directed by Barry Levinson and starring Robert Redford, Robert Duvall, Glenn Close, Barbara Hershey, Kim Basinger and Wilfred Brimley. The author of this paper lauds the book, saying it reveals how an innocent country boy falls to the temptations of the urban life and style. On the other hand, he criticizes Barry Levinson's "The Natural" for portraying how Roy, despite all adversities, comes out on top -- what the author maintains is typically, disappointingly Hollywood.
From the Paper "Over the course of the season, Roy gets emotionally involved with the dangerously seductive Memo Paris, Pop's niece. He also finds himself in the company of Gus Sands, Memo's friend and a professional gambler. Memo for all her beauty and style is a costly proposition. In the event of his desire for Memo, and need for sufficient money to maintain her style, Roy is led astray from his quest for success and honor. Realizing his mistake, Roy tries to redeem himself and, Pop too, who played into his hands of things. But alas! It turns out that Roy had run out of luck, the natural gifts deserted him. His magic bat "Wonder Boy" shattered in the final game of the season. Thus, Roy squandered a life destined for fame by pursuing women and, fortune. The tools designed for him by God, Wonder boy, and his Excaliber deserted him in his moment of trial. Roy fell an unworthy man."
Abstract This paper discusses the 1988 film, "Colors," directed by Dennis Hopper and starring Sean Penn and Robert Duvall. It describes the film's portrayal of the relationship between the police and gangs, as well as the relationship between the police and young men in "the neighborhood." It also briefly discusses gender differences in the way people handle disputes.
From the Paper "Moreover, Bell & Forde (1999) report on a research study that shows gender differences in the way people handle disputes. Aggression is strongest in male-male confrontations. For this reason, it would make sense to put more women on police forces. Women know how to bring calm to stressful situations. They tend automatically to use communication to solve problems to begin with rather than escalating bad situations with physical force. Physical force is not all there is to being "tough." The world needs more moral courage and less physical. Police officers who are level-headed and know how to relate to people are going to be more effective than hot-heads who are continually feeding their own egos. Training in effective communication skills could help police officers in getting information to combat crime. And intensive training in decision making while under pressure would also be very useful."
