APPENDIX L
Responses to Program Review & Investigations Committee Questionnaires
The program review committee distributed five questionnaires -- to all vocational-technical school instructors and administrators, the State Board of Education, v-t school graduates from the Class of 1998, and Connecticut employers. The response rates for the five surveys varied considerably, as shown in Table L-1. Although rates for graduates and employers were low, the results are presented to provide some indication of the views of members of those groups.
|
TABLE L-1. Survey Response Rates. |
||
|
Group Surveyed |
Response Rate |
Number of Respondents |
|
Vocational-Technical School Instructors |
42% |
438 |
|
1998 Vocational-Technical School Graduates |
17% |
89 |
|
Vocational-Technical School Administrators |
56% |
38 |
|
State Board of Education members |
100% |
9 |
|
Connecticut Employers (random sample) |
23% |
164 |
In November 1999, all 1,033 full-time vocational-technical school instructors received a questionnaire. This group included academic and trade teachers as well as individuals who provide other pupil services. Forty-two percent of the instructors responded. (See Attachment L-A for a summary of the responses.)
At the same time, a survey was mailed to 575 v-t school graduates from the Class of 1998. One-third of the graduates from each of the 17 schools were randomly selected. The post office was unable to deliver 59 surveys, reducing the sample size to 516. Seventeen percent of those surveys were returned.
The graduate responses could not be analyzed by school because the individual sample sizes were too small. However, the distribution of schools represented by survey respondents was close to the proportion of those who were sent surveys. The distribution by trade area did not match the top enrolled programs as closely, but 20 of the 24 possible trades were represented. No more than 15 percent of the respondents came from a single trade area. (See Attachment L-B.)
In June 2000, surveys were distributed to the administrators of the Regional Vocational-Technical School System. This group of 68 included the superintendent and assistant superintendents in the central office as well as the director and assistant directors from each of the 17 v-t schools. This survey had a 56 percent response rate. (See Attachment L-C.)
The same month surveys were also mailed to the members of the State Board of Education; the nine voting members responded.1 (See Attachment L-D.)
In July 2000, a survey was sent to a random sample of 750 businesses engaged in auto repair services, computer and data processing services, construction, and manufacturing. After subtracting 29 surveys that were undeliverable, 23 percent of the remaining surveys were filled out and returned. (See Attachment L-E.)
1 There are also three nonvoting members -- two students and the commissioner of education.
ATTACHMENT L-A
Survey of Vocational-Technical School Instructors (November 1999)
[Maximum number of responses = 438; percentages may not total 100% due to rounding]
1. How long have you been a vocational-technical (v-t) school instructor? ___ years (N=433)
range = one year to 31 years; mean = 13 and median = 12
2. Do you (please check only one category): (N= 424)
(a) 38% teach an academic subject
(b) 50% teach a trade program
(c) 12% provide pupil services
3. How would you rate the vocational-technical school graduates from your school in recent years in
each of the following areas:
|
Excellent |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
|||
|
(a) |
knowledge of craft-specific skills |
22% |
62% |
15% |
<1% |
N=397 |
|
(b) |
familiarity with equipment required by the job |
26% |
58% |
16% |
1% |
N=400 |
|
(c) |
math skills |
3% |
31% |
53% |
13% |
N=404 |
|
(d) |
computer skills |
6% |
40% |
46% |
8% |
N=407 |
|
(e) |
reading ability |
2% |
33% |
51% |
14% |
N=405 |
|
(f) |
communication skills |
4% |
36% |
49% |
11% |
N=413 |
|
(g) |
ability to work in teams |
17% |
51% |
26% |
6% |
N=416 |
|
(h) |
overall readiness for the work force |
11% |
50% |
35% |
3% |
N=405 |
4. For each statement below, please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the sentence, using a scale of 1 to 4, with 1 = strongly agree and 4 = strongly disagree. If you would need more information to answer any of these items, please select 5 (need more information).
|
Strongly Agree |
Agree |
Disagree |
Strongly Disagree |
Need More Info |
|||
|
(a) |
The priorities of the v-t schools are clearly defined. |
17% |
48% |
23% |
8% |
4% |
N=421 |
|
(b) |
The v-t school system attracts capable trade instructors. |
19% |
59% |
16% |
3% |
4% |
N=433 |
|
(c) |
The v-t school system attracts capable academic instructors. |
17% |
58% |
16% |
3% |
5% |
N=425 |
|
(d) |
The v-t schools are successful at placing their graduates in jobs. |
17% |
54% |
17% |
1% |
11% |
N=426 |
|
(e) |
The equipment in v-t schools is technologically current. |
1% |
26% |
38% |
30% |
5% |
N=426 |
|
(f) |
The equipment in v-t schools is in good condition. |
3% |
29% |
42% |
22% |
4% |
N=427 |
|
(g) |
The v-t schools are meeting the training needs of employers. |
6% |
49% |
27% |
7% |
11% |
N=420 |
|
(h) |
The v-t schools should work with local towns to offer more vocational programs for students in comprehensive high schools. |
18% |
40% |
19% |
14% |
9% |
N=431 |
|
(i) |
The v-t schools should work more closely with local employers to identify the skill requirements of current job opportunities. |
47% |
43% |
5% |
1% |
3% |
N=428 |
5. Which of the following actions do you regularly take to help vocational-technical school students obtain employment? (Please check all that apply.) (N=438)
(a) 63% post help-wanted notices in your classroom or office, if they are sent to you
(b) 39% call employers in the area to find out whether they have any job openings
(c) 56% invite employers from the area to visit your school and talk about career opportunities
(d) 46% arrange for students to serve internships with local employers
(e) 44% refer students to v-t school graduates for advice about career opportunities
(f) 31% other (please specify) write letters of recommendation, help with resume writing, conduct practice interviews, accompany students on visits to businesses ,etc.
6. If there are any other comments or suggestions you would like to make about the vocational-technical schools or vocational education in general, please add them below.
ATTACHMENT L-B
Survey of Regional Vocational-Technical School Graduates -- Class of 1998 (November 1999)
[Maximum number of responses=89; percentages may not total 100% due to rounding]
1. What vocational-technical school did you graduate from? See Addendum L-B
2. What trade program were you enrolled in at the vocational-technical school you graduated from? See Addendum L-B
3. How would you rate the preparation your vocational-technical school education provided you with in each of the following areas:
|
Excellent |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
|||
|
(a) |
knowledge of craft-specific skills |
34% |
43% |
18% |
5% |
N=87 |
|
(b) |
familiarity with equipment required by the job |
41% |
38% |
15% |
6% |
N=86 |
|
(c) |
math skills |
17% |
48% |
26% |
9% |
N=86 |
|
(d) |
computer skills |
23% |
26% |
23% |
28% |
N=86 |
|
(e) |
reading ability |
36% |
39% |
21% |
5% |
N=87 |
|
(f) |
communication skills |
28% |
48% |
18% |
6% |
N=85 |
|
(g) |
ability to work in teams |
43% |
38% |
11% |
8% |
N=84 |
|
(h) |
overall readiness for the work force |
29% |
33% |
26% |
13% |
N=86 |
4. Which of the following answers best describes your situation at the end of the three-month period immediately following your graduation from the regional vocational-technical school? (Please check all that apply.) (N=89)
(a) 30% was attending college full time
(b) 2% was attending college part time
(c) 4% was enlisted in the armed services
(d) 36% was employed full time in a job related to the trade you studied at the v-t school
(e) 20% was employed full time in a job unrelated to the trade you studied at the v-t school
(f) 11% was employed part time in a job related to the trade you studied at the v-t school
(g) 19% was employed part time in a job unrelated to the trade you studied at the v-t school
(h) 7% was unemployed
(i) 2% other (please specify) ________________________________
5. Which of the following answers best describes your current situation? (Please check all that apply.) (N=89)
(a) 28% attending college full time
(b) 7% attending college part time
(c) 7% in the armed services
(d) 34% employed full time in a job related to the trade you studied at the v-t school
(e) 22% employed full time in a job unrelated to the trade you studied at the v-t school
(f) 11% employed part time in a job related to the trade you studied at the v-t school
(g) 12% employed part time in a job unrelated to the trade you studied at the v-t school
(h) 4% unemployed
(i) 3% other (please specify) ________________________________
6. Which of the following actions did any of your instructors at the vocational-technical school regularly take to help students obtain employment? (Please check all that apply.) (N=89)
(a) 47% posted help wanted notices in their classrooms or offices
(b) 46% called employers in the area to find out whether they had any job openings
(c) 44% invited employers from the area to visit the school and talk about career opportunities
(d) 39% arranged for students to serve internships with local employers
(e) 20% referred students to v-t school graduates for advice about career opportunities
(f) 11% other (please specify) passed along information from employers who called; field trips to businesses; invited college representatives to visit, etc.
7. For each statement below, please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the sentence, using a scale of 1 to 4, with 1 = strongly agree and 4 = strongly disagree. If you would need more information to answer any of these items, please select 5 (need more information).
|
Strongly Agree |
Agree |
Disagree |
Strongly Disagree |
Need More Info |
|||
|
(a) |
The v-t school system attracts capable trade instructors. |
26% |
53% |
13% |
6% |
2% |
N=88 |
|
(b) |
The v-t school system attracts capable academic instructors. |
18% |
59% |
17% |
3% |
2% |
N=87 |
|
(c) |
The v-t schools are successful at placing their graduates in jobs. |
14% |
41% |
27% |
16% |
2% |
N=88 |
|
(d) |
The equipment in v-t schools is technologically current. |
9% |
44% |
19% |
23% |
5% |
N=86 |
|
(e) |
The equipment in v-t schools is in good condition. |
6% |
46% |
29% |
18% |
1% |
N=87 |
|
(f) |
The v-t schools are meeting the training needs of employers. |
14% |
53% |
19% |
10% |
3% |
N=86 |
|
(g) |
The v-t schools should work with local towns to offer more vocational programs for students in comprehensive high schools. |
38% |
43% |
10% |
2% |
7% |
N=87 |
|
(h) |
The v-t schools should work more closely with local employers to identify the skill requirements of current job opportunities. |
65% |
35% |
-- |
-- |
-- |
N=88 |
8. If there are any other comments or suggestions you would like to make about the vocational-technical schools or vocational education in general, please add them below.
ADDENDUM L-B
1. Vocational-technical school graduated from: (N=88)
|
Abbott - 5% |
Goodwin - 8% |
O'Brien - 6% |
Whitney - 5% |
|
Bullard-Havens - 8% |
Grasso - 5% |
Platt - 7% |
Wilcox - 13% |
|
Cheney - 7% |
Kaynor - 7% |
Prince - 1% |
Windham - 3% |
|
Ellis - 9% |
Norwich - 3% |
Vinal - 7% |
Wolcott - 5% |
|
Wright - 3% |
2. Trade program enrolled in at vocational-technical school: (N=88)
|
Auto-related - 10% |
Electromechanical - 3% |
Hotel Hospitality - 1% |
|
Carpentry - 8% |
Electronics - 15% |
HVAC - 5% |
|
Culinary - 14% |
Fashion - 2% |
Manufacturing Technology - 2% |
|
Diesel Mechanic - 1% |
Graphic Communications - 2% |
Microcomputers - 3% |
|
Drafting (arch., machine) - 11% |
Hairdressing - 6% |
Painting - 2% |
|
Electrical - 8% |
Health Technology - 2% |
Plumbing - 3% |
ATTACHMENT L-C
Survey of Regional Vocational-Technical School System Administrators (June 2000)
[Number of responses = 38, unless otherwise noted; percentages may not total 100% due to rounding]
1. How long have you been an employee of the vocational-technical (v-t) school system? __ years
range = one year to 30 years; mean and median = 16 years
2. How would you rate the vocational-technical school graduates in recent years in each of the following areas:
|
Excellent |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
|||
|
(a) |
knowledge of craft-specific skills |
40% |
51% |
9% |
-- |
N=35 |
|
(b) |
familiarity with equipment required by the job |
41% |
49% |
11% |
-- |
N=37 |
|
(c) |
math skills |
8% |
50% |
39% |
3% |
|
|
(d) |
computer skills |
14% |
54% |
32% |
-- |
N=37 |
|
(e) |
reading ability |
3% |
41% |
49% |
8% |
N=37 |
|
(f) |
communication skills |
5% |
61% |
29% |
5% |
|
|
(g) |
ability to work in teams |
32% |
58% |
11% |
-- |
|
|
(h) |
overall readiness for the work force |
22% |
59% |
19% |
-- |
N=37 |
3. For each statement below, please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the sentence, using a scale of 1 to 4, with 1 = strongly agree and 4 = strongly disagree. If you would need more information to answer any of these items, please select 5 (need more information).
|
Strongly Agree |
Agree |
Disagree |
Strongly Disagree |
Need More Info |
|||
|
(a) |
The priorities of the v-t schools are clearly defined. |
34% |
55% |
3% |
5% |
3% |
|
|
(b) |
The v-t school system attracts capable trade instructors. |
11% |
68% |
11% |
8% |
3% |
N=37 |
|
(c) |
The v-t school system attracts capable academic instructors. |
11% |
68% |
13% |
5% |
3% |
|
|
(d) |
The v-t schools are successful at placing their graduates in jobs. |
35% |
43% |
16% |
3% |
3% |
N=37 |
|
(e) |
The equipment in v-t schools is technologically current. |
-- |
47% |
42% |
11% |
-- |
N=36 |
|
(f) |
The equipment in v-t schools is in good condition. |
3% |
47% |
42% |
5% |
3% |
|
|
(g) |
The v-t schools are meeting the training needs of employers. |
11% |
58% |
25% |
-- |
6% |
N=36 |
|
(h) |
The v-t schools should work with local towns to offer more vocational programs for students in comprehensive high schools. |
24% |
42% |
24% |
8% |
3% |
|
|
(i) |
The v-t schools should work more closely with local employers to identify the skill requirements of current job opportunities. |
53% |
42% |
5% |
-- |
-- |
4. If there are any other comments or suggestions you would like to make about the vocational-technical schools or vocational education in general, please add them below or on the back of the survey. _________
ATTACHMENT L-D
Survey of Connecticut State Board of Education Re: Vocational-Technical Schools (June 2000)
[Number of responses = 9, unless otherwise noted; percentages may not total 100% due to rounding]
1. How long have you been a member of the State Board of Education? __ years range = 2 to 12 years; mean and median = 6 years
2. Have you ever served on the board's Vocational-Technical (v-t) School Committee? yes 56% no 44%
3. On a scale of 1 = very effective to 4 = not effective, please rate the Vocational-Technical School Committee's performance of each of the following functions. If you are uncertain about the committee's performance of a particular activity, please select number 5, which equals "don't know."
Very Effective
Not Effective
Don't Know
(a)
Advocating the v-t school system budget.
33%
56%
11%
--
--
(b)
Recommending formal policies for the operation of the v-t school system.
67%
22%
11%
--
--
(c)
Reviewing the program offerings in the v-t schools for relevance to the needs of employers.
33%
44%
11%
--
11%
(d)
Proposing methods to ensure v-t school resources are used to serve as many students as possible.
11%
44%
22%
--
22%
(e)
Evaluating the administrative operation of the v-t schools.
22%
44%
11%
--
22%
(f)
Promoting coordination of secondary vocational education opportunities in state and local schools.
--
22%
44%
11%
22%
(g)
Working with the Board of Higher Education to coordinate vocational education opportunities.
--
22%
33%
11%
33%
4. For each statement below, please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the sentence, using a scale of 1 to 4, with 1 = strongly agree and 4 = strongly disagree. If you would need more information to answer any of these items, please select 5 (need more information).
|
Strongly Agree |
Agree |
Disagree |
Strongly Disagree |
Need More Info |
|||
|
(a) |
The priorities of the v-t schools are clearly defined. |
56% |
44% |
-- |
-- |
-- |
|
|
(b) |
The v-t school system attracts capable trade instructors. |
22% |
56% |
11% |
-- |
11% |
|
|
(c) |
The v-t school system attracts capable academic instructors. |
-- |
63% |
25% |
-- |
13% |
N=8 |
|
(d) |
The v-t schools are successful at placing their graduates in jobs. |
11% |
67% |
-- |
-- |
22% |
|
|
(e) |
The equipment in v-t schools is technologically current. |
-- |
11% |
78% |
-- |
11% |
|
|
(f) |
The equipment in v-t schools is in good condition. |
-- |
56% |
33% |
-- |
11% |
|
|
(g) |
The v-t schools are meeting the training needs of employers. |
-- |
86% |
-- |
-- |
14% |
N=7 |
|
(h) |
The v-t schools should work with local towns to offer more vocational programs for students in comprehensive high schools. |
-- |
44% |
33% |
22% |
-- |
|
|
(i) |
The v-t schools should work more closely with local employers to identify the skill requirements of current job opportunities. |
22% |
67% |
-- |
-- |
11% |
5. If there are any other comments or suggestions you would like to make about the vocational-technical schools or vocational education in general, please add them to the back of the survey.
ATTACHMENT L-E
Survey of Employers Regarding Vocational-Technical School Graduates (July 2000)
[Maximum number of responses = 164; percentages may not total 100% due to rounding]
1. Type of work your business does (please select only one answer): (N=164)
(a) 13% automotive repair
(b) 8% computer and data processing services
(c) 21% construction (including general building, heavy, and special trades)
(d) 54% manufacturing
(e) 4% other (please specify) _________________________
2. Total number of full-time people employed by your business: ______ (N=156)
range = 1 to 4,000; mean = 81 and median = 15
3. During the past five years has your business hired any vocational-technical (v-t) school graduates? yes 43% no 57% (N=161) [If no, please go to question 6.]
4. Approximately how many v-t school graduates does your business currently employ? ______ (N=68) range = 0 to 70; mean = 6 and median = 2
5. How would you rate the vocational-technical school graduates your business has hired during the past five years in each of the following areas:
|
Excellent |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
|||
|
(a) |
knowledge of craft-specific skills |
9% |
65% |
22% |
4% |
N=69 |
|
(b) |
familiarity with equipment required by the job |
10% |
54% |
29% |
7% |
N=70 |
|
(c) |
math skills |
10% |
48% |
31% |
10% |
N=67 |
|
(d) |
computer skills |
7% |
34% |
41% |
18% |
N=61 |
|
(e) |
reading ability |
6% |
57% |
31% |
6% |
N=68 |
|
(f) |
communication skills |
9% |
49% |
32% |
10% |
N=69 |
|
(g) |
ability to work in teams |
13% |
57% |
25% |
6% |
N=69 |
|
(h) |
overall readiness for the work force |
9% |
49% |
32% |
10% |
N=69 |
6. How would you rate the non vocational-technical school graduates your business has hired during the past five years in each of the following areas:
|
Excellent |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
|||
|
(a) |
knowledge of craft-specific skills |
4% |
44% |
34% |
18% |
N=141 |
|
(b) |
familiarity with equipment required by the job |
4% |
44% |
32% |
21% |
N=140 |
|
(c) |
math skills |
3% |
35% |
49% |
13% |
N=137 |
|
(d) |
computer skills |
5% |
26% |
48% |
20% |
N=122 |
|
(e) |
reading ability |
3% |
47% |
43% |
7% |
N=136 |
|
(f) |
communication skills |
2% |
44% |
45% |
9% |
N=139 |
|
(g) |
ability to work in teams |
6% |
45% |
41% |
9% |
N=141 |
|
(h) |
overall readiness for the work force |
4% |
41% |
43% |
13% |
N=142 |
7. Do you or, to your knowledge, does anyone else from your business have regular interaction with a vocational-technical school? yes 29% no 71% (N=161)
7a. If yes, what is the nature of this interaction? (Please check all that apply.) (N=46)
(a) 9% serve as trade instructor(s)
(b) 20% provide advice on trade curricula
(c) 30% visit school(s) to talk about career opportunities
(d) 28% serve on craft committee(s)
(e) -- serve on admissions committee(s)
(f) 39% receive calls from v-t school instructor(s) seeking information about jobs
(g) 33% other (please specify) involved with School to Career and apprentice programs, contacted schools about employment opportunities, etc.
8. Within the last five years, has your business sent any employees to a vocational-technical school for post-secondary training? yes 26% no 74% [N=163]
8a. If yes, how would you rate the quality of the training they received? [N=42]
Excellent 21% Good 57% Fair 14% Poor 7%
9. In the future, would your business be interested in sending employees to programs at a vocational-technical school for any of the following purposes? (Please check all that apply): (N=164)
(a) 56% improving technical, job-related skills
(b) 20% improving math skills
(c) 12% improving reading ability
(d) 21% improving communication skills
(e) 8% other (please specify) computer skills, leadership skills, etc.
10. For each statement below, please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the sentence, using a scale of 1 to 4, with 1 = strongly agree and 4 = strongly disagree. If you would need more information to answer any of these items, please select 5 (need more information).
|
Strongly Agree |
Agree |
Disagree |
Strongly Disagree |
Need More Info |
|||
|
(a) |
The v-t school system attracts capable trade instructors. |
3% |
41% |
11% |
1% |
43% |
N=150 |
|
(b) |
The v-t school system attracts capable academic instructors. |
1% |
42% |
10% |
1% |
48% |
N=147 |
|
(c) |
The v-t schools are successful at placing their graduates in jobs. |
5% |
40% |
10% |
3% |
42% |
N=151 |
|
(d) |
The equipment in v-t schools is technologically current. |
1% |
28% |
17% |
11% |
44% |
N=149 |
|
(e) |
The equipment in v-t schools is in good condition. |
-- |
30% |
14% |
8% |
47% |
N=148 |
|
(f) |
The v-t schools are meeting the training needs of employers. |
2% |
25% |
25% |
16% |
32% |
N=149 |
|
(g) |
The v-t schools should work with local towns to offer more vocational programs for students in comprehensive high schools. |
32% |
41% |
6% |
1% |
20% |
N=152 |
|
(h) |
The v-t schools should work more closely with local employers to identify the skill requirements of current job opportunities. |
53% |
33% |
1% |
1% |
12% |
N=153 |
11. If there are any other comments or suggestions you would like to make about the vocational-technical schools or vocational education in general, please add them below.