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Open Access Thesis

Keywords

Mason City High School (Mason City, Iowa); High schools--Alumni and alumnae--Iowa--Mason City--Statistics; Distributive education--Iowa--Mason City--Statistics; Distributive education; High schools--Alumni and alumnae; Iowa--Mason City; Statistics;

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the current status of the graduates of the Mason City High School Distributive Education program from the class years 1952 through 1972 and to survey their attitudes toward the Distributive Education program in which they participated. The graduates' attitudes and opinions were categorized according to employment of graduates, education of graduates, and evaluation of the Distributive Education program.

The study was conducted over a period of time with the graduate information collected during the Summer, 1974. The subject was developed through an introduction and background of Distributive Education. The related literature reported previous follow-up studies of graduates from vocational education programs, including programs of Distributive Education. The raw data from this study were coded and the facts given on a computer printout. The findings were reported and illustrated with various tables and figures. The final chapter gives a summary, conclusions and recommendations.

The 358 graduates of the Mason City High School Distributive Education program were mailed a cover letter and questionnaire. A similar second mailing was made to those not responding. A reminder card was sent later. Responses were received from 207 graduates (57.8%) of the population. The responses were received from 134 females (64.7%) and 73 males (35.3%) of the previous classes. A final list was made of 13 graduates (3.6%) classified as "unknown" because of no address.

Employment. The largest percentage of respondents (130 of 207 or 62.8%) was classified as employed (including 17 in the military service). Many worked full-time as regular employees. There were 39 graduates (30.7%) working in one of the three management areas. The majority of the respondents were satisfied with their current work situation. Housewives represented 28.0 percent and post-secondary students represented 6.3 percent of the 207. Less than 1 percent (2 graduates) were categorized as unemployed.

The Distributive Education program was listed by the graduates (66 of 180 or 36.7%) as the source of initial full-time employment. Approximately one-half of the 132 respondents reported they were currently employed in a distributive occupation.

Education. Approximately one-half of the graduates (95 of 196 or 48.5%) continued their education. A majority enrolled in a junior or community college, usually attending this type of school located within Mason City (North Iowa Area Community College).

Levels of attainment beyond the high school diploma were achieved by 44 of the 87 respondents (50.6%), The graduates were enrolled mainly in a business or distributive education course or major.

Distributive Education. The graduates were asked to evaluate the Distributive Education program by selecting the phase of the program--related class, on-the-job training, or club activities (DECA)--which was most beneficial to their future, Almost half of the graduates (93 of 187 or 49.7%) indicated the on-the-job training was the most beneficial phase of program, but many graduates listed more than one phase.

Year of Submission

1975

Degree Name

Specialist in Education

Department

Business Education and Office Administration

First Advisor

James L. Handorf

Comments

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Date Original

1975

Object Description

1 PDF file (171 pages)

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

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