The nature of expenditures and perceived effectiveness of the Vocational -Technical Enhancement Grant Award Program

摘要

The purpose of the study was to investigate the nature of expenditures and perceived effectiveness of the Vocational-Technical Enhancement Grant Award Program. Seven research questions were developed to guide the study.;The research was conducted utilizing a combination of a survey developed by the researcher and a review of records from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The survey was distributed to 150 grant recipients who received a grant during the 1999--2000 school year. Survey respondents were asked to answer questions using a 1--5 point Likert-type scale, 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Respondents were also asked to answer several open-ended questions.;Additionally, respondents were asked to answer six questions relating to demographic information relevant to the study. Data were obtained from 107 respondents of which, 21 were superintendents, 5 were secondary principals or assistant principals, 39 were area vocational school directors, 21 were secondary classroom teachers, 11 were postsecondary administrators, and 10 classified themselves as "other," including district curriculum coordinators or district technology coordinators.;The following conclusions were formulated: The Vocational-Technical Enhancement Grant Award Program has been successful in providing vocational-technical programs with the funds necessary to purchase state-of-the art equipment and technology similar to that found in business and industry. The Vocational-Technical Enhancement Grant Award Program has been successful in providing vocational-technical programs with the funds necessary to modify facilities so they can accommodate state-of-the art equipment and technology. Curriculum has been modified or enhanced as a result of the Vocational-Technical Enhancement Grant Award Program. The Vocational-Technical Enhancement Grant Award Program has increased professional development for teachers in vocational-technical education programs due to the influx of new equipment and technology. It is not clear whether or not the Vocational-Technical Enhancement Grant Award Program has increased enrollment in high demand occupations.