Contact: Heath Shackleford
A Mississippi State University-based educational research unit is one of five organizations honored by a national association for achievements in vocational-technical education.
The Research and Curriculum Unit, a joint program of the university and the state Department of Education, recently received a 1996-97 Outstanding Contribution to Vocational-Technical Education Award. Director Rebecca Love-Wilkes accepted the honor in Washington, D.C., ceremonies.
Given annually by the National Association of State Directors of Vocational-Technical Education Consortium, the honor recognizes "innovative approaches in developing public/private partnerships to further vocational technical education."
Nominated by associate state superintendent of education Therrell Myers, the RCU joined organizations from South Dakota, Maryland, South Carolina, and Oklahoma in receiving the honor.
The 30-year-old research unit was commended for a wide range of educational and workforce enhancement projects. These include:
Development with the state education department of a middle school Tech-Prep Initiative curriculum focusing on career, computer and technology discovery; and
A partnership with business and industry to develop customized training materials for workforce enhancement.
In presenting the award, the national association noted the RCU has developed materials with the Mississippi Manufacturers Association to introduce changes in workplace requirements for the 21st century. Also recognized was the unit's work with the state education department to design a new vocational assessment program.
The RCU has worked with state industries ranging from Peavey Electronics to Tecumseh Products to develop specialized curricula, training tapes, CD-ROM materials, and evaluations.