WED 466 UNIT FIVE

In Unit Five you will be introduced to specific workforce education legislation. However, in this unit the nature of public policy, out of which legislation evolves, is discussed. Unlike education in traditional academic areas that are funded essentially by state and local monies, workforce education depends heavily on federal appropriations. An important foundation for the workforce education professional is an understanding of public policy and how individuals can influence public policy.

5. Understands the legislative foundations of workforce education. Analyzes a workforce development policy statement.
Topic A - Public policy fundamentals
Objectives	Assignments
5.1 Defines what is meant by public policy 5.2 Identifies the source of most public policy 5.3 Summarizes scope of public policy: Exists within the public domain Intended to create public good Reflects society values Involves multiple parties and perspectives Results are often unpredictable 5.4 Understands why policy analysis is both an art and a craft. 5.5 Reviews the three activities in the public policy analysis process 5.6 Discusses the role of workforce education professionals in the policy development process	1. Read text pages 215-223 re Objectives 5.1 through 5.6. 2. The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the leading professional association in the field of workforce education. It has been instrumental throughout the years in helping to shape federal legislation. Click here to learn more about ACTE's public policy initiatives**. Another good source of information about this topic is Job Training and Vocational Education.
Topic B - Workforce education: Legisltive history, trends and issues
Objectives	Assignments
5.7 Explains how workforce education policy is affected by economic inequalities, international economic competition, partisan politics, and other factors 5.8 Discusses workforce education trends and issues with respect to : (a) types of programs, (b) declining enrollment and changing demographics, (c) special needs students, (d) curriculum, (e) effectiveness, (f) preparation of teachers, and (g) professional teaching standards 5.9 Discusses legislative history of workforce education from the Smith-Hughes act of 1917 through current legislative activities 5.10 Discusses state and federal employment and training trends and issues: (a) JTPA legislation, (b) mission, (c) program changes, (d) program effectiveness, and (e) staff credentials and program accreditation 5.11 Explains the relationship of private for profit career colleges and institutes to public sector workforce education	3. Read text pages 224-295 re Objectives 5.7 through 5.11. Your instructor may wish to provide additional, current examples to illustrate Objective 5.9