JITE v34n4 - From the Editor - In Appreciation

In Appreciation

As the final issue in Volume 34, this represents an annual point of transition in the leadership of the Journal . Three Assistant Editors have completed two-year terms of service. Many may not be aware of the importance of the editorial board or the significance of the members' contributions. Each refereed manuscript submitted for publication is reviewed by the Associate Editor or one Assistant Editor which translates into a substantial volume of work beyond what is expected from the rest of the review board. In effect, this establishes the members of the editorial board as leaders in the review process. This is done because of their level of experience and in order to provide continuity across the issues. In addition, the Editor relies on Assistant Editors for guidance on a number of issues related to Journal policy and procedures. Simply stated, the contribution of these individuals to the Journal is invaluable. In this regard, I want to publicly acknowledge Jeffrey W. Flesher, Reynaldo Martinez, and Stephen Petrina for exemplary service to JITE as Assistant Editors.

On a more personal note, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to my colleagues at the University of MissouriColumbia for their strong support and understanding of my work with the Journal . At the completion of this issue, I will be moving to Illinois State University. During the second year of my term as editor, the work of the Journal will be housed there. Contact information is provided on the inside cover as well as on p. 101 of the Bits and Pieces section.

In This Issue

Four articles are presented in the refereed section. The first article, by John Schell and Rhonda Black, employs a qualitative, analytic induction methodology to explore the effects of a simulation-based doctoral-level course focusing on organizational behavior change. The study was conducted within a context of situated learning theory and used cognitive apprenticeship teaching methods. The effects of competition, authenticity of the learning content, and levels of trust are among the issues that are presented from the study's findings. The second article, by Jeffrey McNabb, identifies key affective characteristics for secondary-level teachers. Based on the SCANS categories, specific behaviors are identified and prioritized. In the third article, Christian Chinien, France Boutin, and Charles Letteri examine factors associated with at-risk youth and school drop-out rates. The study describes a cognitive-based instructional system (CBIS) designed to enhance the information processing skills of at-risk students, thereby increasing the probability that they would remain in school. The results of the study suggest that the system is effective in improving the overall cognitive profiles of many of these students. The final article in this issue, by David Pucel and Stephan Flister, examines the current status of industrial teacher education programs within the larger context of educational reform. Data relating to types and names of programs, types of degrees offered, faculty responsibilities, and faculty perceptions of the future of the profession are presented along with some suggestions for how to position programs for the future.

The At Issue section contains an essay by Kenneth Gray, designed to provide a conceptual rationale for integrating training and development, human resource development, and teacher preparation within programs of vocational and industrial education. The argument is made that these programs share a common mission which, in turn, shapes a commonality in ethical standards, "core" products, and knowledge base. The Comments section contains an article by Nevin Frantz which explores the significant contributions of two African Americans to vocational education. Nevin passed away while this manuscript was in process. He received, and made every attempt to respond to, some suggestions for revision; but sadly, time ran out. Following his death, Michael Scott graciously agreed to continue with a refinement of Nevin's work and to help publish this manuscript as a tribute to Nevin's life and work. Nevin's positive spirit and many years of sustained commitment to NAITTE and the profession were exemplary and have provided us with a worthy model for our own involvement. He will be missed! Under Review contains a review of Jeff Burger's Multimedia for decision makers . Bits and Pieces contains a complete index of Volume 34 of the Journal as well as an acknowledgment of the exemplary service provided by the Journal's reviewers. The section concludes with the usual information relating to how to submit manuscripts, becoming a member of NAITTE, and ordering various NAITTE publications.

RLC