A COMPARISON OF THE USEFULNESS OF FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS FOR THE PURPOSES OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAM PLANNING AND EVALUATION, AS PERCEIVED BY SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS, GUIDANCE COUNSELORS, VOCATIONAL DIRECTORS, AND VOCATIONAL INSTRUCTORS

The objectives of this study were to determine (1) whether there were significant differences in the usefulness of data items on prototype follow-up questionnaires by various groups of educators, and (2) whether there were significant differences in the follow-up procedures that should be utilized in different sizes of schools. Analysis of data revealed that all four groups agreed that all groups of questions, except one, were very helpful in making judgments about the need to strengthen or modify vocational programs. Questions considered very helpful concerned: (1) student\u27s employment status since leaving school, (2) student\u27s current employment/education status, (3) student evaluation of the vocational program, (4) student suggestions on ways to improve the program, (5) student interest and involvement in additional education, (6) employer ratings of preparation received by the student while in the vocational program, (7) employer comparison of student skills and attitudes with others doing similar work, (8) employer comparison of the level of preparation provided the vocational student with others not receiving vocational preparation, (9) employer ratings of the currency of the vocational program, (10) employer suggestions for program improvement, and (11) employer interest in assisting vocational programs by serving on a local advisory council. The questions concerning student satisfaction with the current job were judged by all groups to be slightly useful in making judgments about program needs. Analysis of the data revealed that the groups did not agree on the usefulness of three questions concerning: (1) whether students sought full-time employment since leaving high school, (2) student satisfaction with the pace of the current job, and (3) student satisfaction with facilities and equipment at the current job. Analysis concerning the follow-up process revealed that all sizes of school districts preferred that the vocational director conduct follow-up studies of vocational students. Large school district representatives preferred mail surveys and smaller school district representatives preferred the telephone method of conducting surveys