Graduation date: 1996

Attitude measurement problems are discussed within the context of a contemporary movement in the field of education. A restricted definition of the alienation construct is suggested as a theoretical framework within which research in this area could be conducted. Construction and validation data on an instrument designed to measure attitudes toward work are reported. Pre and posttest scores (using the above measure as well as the Rotter I-E Scale) of two high school Career Education programs were compared. Neither program produced significant mean attitude change in terms of these measures. However, change detected by increase in the variance on the I-E measure was significant in one program. Also, correlational data between the attitude scores and scores on two different course achievement tests indicate that the attitude and achievement variables are associated. A model for research connected with the implementation of future innovative Career Education programs is suggested.

The following report deals with the career education program at Mountain View, one of six intermediate schools in the Beaverton school District #48. During the summer of 1974, four Mountain View faculty members developed what they titled the Mountain View Intermediate School Career Educational Resource Guide (CERG). The faculty members developed this guide keeping in mind the requirements of the Master Plan but also adding specific references relating to what direction they felt the career education program at Mountain View should take. The CERG was designed in such a way that career related activities for each grade level were broken down into specific curriculum areas, i.e., math, science, art, etc. It was hoped that each career related activity in the CERG would foster both teacher and student interest to a point where exploration of careers would be an ongoing and positive experience for both student and teacher alike.