New Releases by Richard Koch

This volume contains presentations and workshop papers from the International Congress on "The European Dimension of Vocational Training--Experiences and Tasks" that provided those with responsibility for vocational training a forum for analyzing and discussing challenges that have emerged from European cooperation in vocational training. Two introductory speeches (Karl-Hans Laermann and Achilleas Mitsos) precede the workshop papers. Workshop A, "The Bottom-Up Approach to Europe," looks at the form and content of projects based primarily on the initiative of chambers, companies, schools, and other vocational training institutions and designed to promote transnational cooperation in initial and continuing vocational training. Its first topic, "Euro-Regions--Transnational Cooperation in Border Areas," is addressed in an introduction (Jochen Reuling), two case studies (Kurt Bang; Bob Bierling and Horst Scheel), and panel discussion. Its second topic, "Large Companies Elsewhere in Europe--Vocational Training Cooperation within and between Companies," is considered in an introduction (Richard Koch), three case studies (Hanne Sampson; Friedwald Bracht; Ulrich Gruber), and panel discussion. Its third topic, "The Relationship between Local Initiatives and European Promotion Programmes," is covered in an introduction (Richard Koch), presentation (Helmut Brumhard), and panel discussion. Workshop B, "Training for Europe," looks at a European professional training area that is taking shape. Its first topic, "Occupation-Related Foreign Language Instruction," is addressed in an introduction (Brigitte Wolf), two presentations (Jan van Weeren; Dorothea Weidinger), and panel discussion. Its second topic, "Occupational Skills for Europe-Wide Competence," is considered in an introduction (Brigitte Wolf), three practical examples (Marina Schurmann; Johannes van de Vosse; Ferdinand Fuchs), and panel discussion. Its third topic, "Provision for Latecomers in the Training System: Recognition of Young Workers'' Work Experience and Previous Learning Record," is covered in an introduction (Brigitte Wolf), four presentations (Annie Bouder; Ruud Klarus; Marinella Giovine; Peter-Werner Kloas), and panel discussion. Workshop C, "European Vocational Training Research," presents results from research programs. Its first topic, "Prospects for Company-Based Initial Vocational Training in Europe," is addressed in an introduction (Jochen Reuling), three presentations (Rene Lassere; Maria Hofstatter; Arthur Schneeberger), and a panel discussion. Its second topic, "Continuing Training and Company Organization Development in Europe," is considered in an introduction (Edgar Sauter), presentation (Ingrid Drexel), and panel discussion. Its third topic, "Vocational Training Systems and Global Competition," is covered in an introduction (Richard Koch), two presentations (David Soskice; Felix Rauner), and panel discussion. Other contents are "Main Findings of the Workshop Sessions" (Hermann Schmidt), "Closing Discussion" (moderated by Alfred Hardenacke), and a participant list. (YLB)

This guide provides investment strategies for beating the stock market. The text sets each strategy against rigorous criteria for proven techniques that are explained unambiguously and should be accessible to any individual. It shows how to pick a suitable investment, includes numerous examples and should be of use to private investors - even those new to playing the markets.

The structural problems present in vocational education in France and reform efforts under way to solve them were studied. Eighteen experts from government, science, and industry were interviewed, and statistics and other relevant publications were analyzed. The development of the French initial training system was outlined, and trends in demography, education, and employment as a platform for vocational training reform in France in the 1980s were examined. The educational policy debate on reform of the vocational education system and related state measures to improve the levels of general and vocational education, reduce the number of school dropouts, and increase the number of vocational baccalaureate holders were outlined along with efforts to restructure vocational education certificates and transitions within the education system. Efforts to strengthen the links between the vocational secondary schools and industry, upgrade industrial apprentice training, help integrate youth into working life, and develop new forms of state intervention within the vocational training system were examined. The analysis indicated that, despite their apparent convergence in recent years, the differences between the French and German vocational education systems are too great to permit successful assimilation of the German model in France in the foreseeable future. (Contains 40 references.) (MN)

The Director of the innovative Los Angeles Regional Center for the Mentally Retarded explains in easily understood terms the causes, most up-to-date treatment, and modern preventive care now available.