Comprehensive High School: An Effective Way To Integrate Academic and Vocational Education in Taiwan, Republic of China.

One of the most important educational reforms related to secondary education in Taiwan is the planning of comprehensive high schools. The impetus for their establishment has come from several sources, including increased educational alternatives, integration of academic and vocational education resources to upgrade the quality of education, the combination of the objectives of academic and vocational education, and the flexibility of curriculum to meet students' needs for developing their career potential. From the viewpoint of curriculum design, the important goals should include provision of meaningful educational program alternatives for students not ready to commit to an occupational or college preparatory route, integration of academic and vocational education programs, and delay of students' differentiation in learning programs. Beginning with the 1996 fall semester, comprehensive high school programs require 160 credits for graduation. An important characteristic is the program flexibility in taking courses, learning years, and grading system. Comprehensive high schools are allowed to develop their own curricula and have more control over the implementation. Because such programs increase teachers' workloads, some teachers need inservice training to get a second or third teaching specialty. Occupational programs and facilities should be reorganized and the career guidance function should become a priority for the placement office. (YLB) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *********************************************************************** Comprehensive High School: An Effective Way to Integrate Academic and Vocational Education in Taiwan, Republic of China