The purpose of this mixed methods sequential exploratory study was to develop an understanding of the ways in which graduates of liberal arts programs recognize, make meaning of, and apply the competencies developed as an undergraduate within the workplace. In the first quantitative phase of the study, the research questions addressed the association among liberal arts graduates’ perceived importance, academic preparation, and assessment of value attributed by employers of eight critical skills in the workplace and any differences based on participants’ academic domain. The data were collected via a self-developed web-based survey (N=328) sent to graduates of six institutions representing four different Carnegie classifications. The overall response rate was 9.4%. A chi-square analysis in conjunction with the Holm-Bonferroni procedure yielded a statistically significant relationship in five of nine academic domain relationships. A post-hoc contingency table analysis further revealed statistically significant results between academic domain and perception value categories. In the second qualitative phase, eight case studies, consisting of graduates of liberal arts programs from four Carnegie classifications and four academic domains, delved deeper into the results from the first phase. Four themes emerged during the within- and cross-case analysis related to participants’ perceptions of the use of critical skills in the workplace: (1) Personal accountability to the job, (2) workplace dynamics among coworkers, clients, and supervisors, (3) self-awareness of what is important in the workplace, and (4) employer support of the liberal arts in the workplace. The final phase of the study integrated the quantitative results and qualitative findings to determine broad-scale outcomes of the study. Based on the overall analysis, the study provides policy implications and recommendations related to practical skill development within liberal arts programs.

x, 137 p. : ill. A print copy of this thesis is available through the UO Libraries. Search the library catalog for the location and call number. / This study explores the out-of-school time (OST) arts field through a critical race theory (CRT) lens. For the purpose of this research, OST arts programs include afterschool and summer learning programs focusing on visual arts, music, theater, dance, video production, and spoken word in Chicago, Illinois for youth ages 14-21. Four main tenets of CRT guide the main research question: How are OST arts programs time addressing racism, propagating social, historical, and liberal ideologies, promoting social justice, and giving voice to people of color? By conducting eight interviews with arts professionals as well as a comprehensive literature review and document analysis, themes of race, colorblindness, social justice, and identity development in OST youth arts programs are synthesized to reflect current practices in the field. This research suggests that current methods of critical pedagogy utilized in OST arts programs could promote successful education strategies for both in-school and out-of-school education for youth. / Committee in Charge: Dr. Lori Hager, Chair; Dr. John B. Fenn III; Dr. Jennifer Katz-Buonincontro

The purpose of this research was to review a significant body of literature that related to music and arts education in the context of community engagement. An examination of the literature identified several issues affecting the engagement of communities in arts education pertaining to arts education policies, the role of arts organizations and the relationship between schools and communities. The summation of this research included an overview of models of successful collaborations between the public school and community institutions at national, state, and local levels in the United States with implications of future reform to the arts education policy. With such a vast array of program offerings initiated through the collaborative partnering of schools with communities and local arts agencies, valuable insights can be gained from concerted research efforts in the field of music education as to the unique opportunities afforded through purposeful community engagement.

This is a study of the industrial arts programs in the junior colleges of Texas with special reference to the nature and scope of the curriculums, the teaching staff, and instructional and housing facilities.

The purpose of this study is to determine to what extent the high school teachers of industrial arts in the State of Oklahoma are being used and trained to meet the apparent needs and trends in the field of industrial arts; and to make the results available in a helpful way to all persons interested in working in the field, or in preparing for, or preparing others for service in the field.

"This is a study of the facilities provided and needed for industrial arts at North Texas State College, Denton, Texas with standards and suggestions for use in planning and constructing additional and new facilities."--1-2.

"The study sought to answer the following questions: 1. What skills and understandings may be acquired in industrial arts courses as described in Principles and Standards for Accrediting Elementary and Secondary Schools that might be helpful to youth seeking employment in the Pampa area? 2. What is the current industrial arts program in the Pampa Independent School district? 3. What skills and understandings receive the greatest emphasis in the Pampa industrial arts program? 4. What skills and understandings associated with industrial arts do Gray County employers recommend as being helpful in the performance of jobs for which terminal students might be considered? 5. What are the employment opportunities in Gray County for Pampa Independent School District terminal students?" --p. 4