POLICY USES OF RESEARCH ON THE HIGH SCHOOL-TO-WORK TRANSITION

This research review found that the three elements of the school-to-wo rk transition-schools, employers, and the relationship between them-op erate differently than is commonly assumed. First, the selection proce ss and outcomes of vocational education are more variable and generall y more positive. Second, although employers decry youths' poor prepara tion, research indicates that employers may inadvertently contribute t o it. Third, economic theory warns about the inefficiencies of institu tional linkages, but research indicates that school-employer linkages can enhance incentives, the flow of information, and employment outcom es. This article suggests that the school-work transition may be impro ved if schools make academic instruction vocationally relevant, employ ers base hiring on applicants' achievement in school, and school-emplo yer linkages are created and appropriately designed.