| The purpose of this study was to explore the trend in the enrollment of students at area vocational/technical centers across the State of Michigan during the period from 1984-85 through 1988-89. A corollary purpose was to investigate factors which appear to influence the trend in area vocational/technical center student enrollments. Thirty-four area vocational/technical centers and 307 high schools which send students to area vocational/technical centers were investigated.;Data were collected from the Michigan State Department of Education, as well as, the principals/directors of the area vocational/technical centers and the high schools included in the study. A survey was sent to each area vocational/technical center and high school to collect information on enrollments, dropout rates, changes in graduation requirements, post secondary enrollments, standardized test scores and factors effecting area vocational/technical center enrollments.;During the period of the research, 1984-85 through 1988-89, academic graduation requirements were increased in 81.3% of the schools studied. Conclusions based on the findings were as follows: (1) The enrollment trend of students attending Michigan Area Vocational/Technical Centers has declined at a somewhat greater rate than the decline in high school enrollments; (2) The dropout rate for the high schools studied did not generally increase; (3) Post-secondary enrollments were reported as increasing or static; (4) Generally, standardized test scores were also reported as increasing or static, and (5) Increasing graduation requirements, decreasing high school enrollments, decreased student interest, the lack of counselor, as well as, administrative support were reported as having the greatest negative effect on vocational/technical center enrollments. However, recruitment efforts, the ease and availability of student transportation, increased student interest, the introduction of new vocational/technical programs, as well as, counselor support, and administrative support were perceived as having the most positive impact on area vocational/technical center enrollments by survey respondents. |
