INTEGRATION OF ACADEMIC AND OCCUPATIONAL CURRICULA IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION

This article analyzes a current example of the integration of academic and occupational curriculum in science and technology education in li ght of issues developed in two historical failures. The issues discuss ed are the differential status of academic and applied science, the im portance of support from groups such as industry and postsecondary ins titutions, the lack of consensus over the intended clientele and purpo se of the program, and the role of subject matter communities. In term s of Dewey's distinction between an education for occupations and an e ducation through occupations, none of the three cases reviewed was dir ected at providing specific workplace skills for students. Possibiliti es for providing a broader education in science through occupations ma y be improved with changing economic contexts. (C) 1997 John Wiley & S ons, Inc.