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This critical explanatory mixed methods study examined elementary teachers' perceptions regarding the inclusion of LGBTQ-themed literature in the curriculum. An electronic survey questionnaire and focus group sessions were used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data that described the perceived benefits and barriers of LGBTQ-themed literature and teachers' level of interest in attending professional developing on this topic. The sample population for this study consisted of 100 participants. All 100 participants completed the electronic survey questionnaire, and a subset of 10 of the survey respondents participated in focus groups to explore further the perceived benefits and barriers relating to the inclusion of LGBTQ-themed literature. There were five key findings that emerged in relation to the research questions for this survey: (1) although teachers perceive parental backlash and insufficient training as the two most significant barriers preventing them from including LGBTQ-themed literature in their classroom, their beliefs and comfort levels surrounding LGBTQ individuals and topics are significant barriers as well; (2) participants felt there were many significant benefits that might result from the inclusion of LGBTQ-themed literature, including building an increased awareness of diversity among students and less bullying in regards to sexual orientation/gender expression; (3) participants felt that parents and administration have significant control over what teachers can teach in their classrooms, and that their autonomy and choice was straightjacketed by the demands of the parents and administrators; (4) participants were interested in attending professional development training focusing on the inclusion of LGBTQ-themed literature; and (5) Black respondents expressed more hesitation towards the inclusion of LGBTQ-themed literature as well as towards attending LGBTQ-themed professional development than other demographic subgroups. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]

The study of non-college-attending, male high school graduates examines vocational, general, and college preparatory high school curricula and certain post-school training opportunities to uncover differences in their effectiveness, either alone or in conjunction with post-school programs, in preparing youth for careers. Based on data from the National Longitudinal Surveys of Young Men 1966-69, the following serve as criterion measures in a multivariate framework: a general occupational information test, attitudes toward adequacy of preparation, participation in post-school training, skill level of jobs, wages, measures of career potential, overall job satisfaction, and unemployment experience. Multiple regression is used to identify and measure the net effects of educational and training variables by controlling statistically for other influences, with separate analyses conducted for white and black youth. The empirical findings reported and discussed for each criterion measure are summarized and provide the basis for specific conclusions which do not support the view that vocational education at the secondary level is superior preparation for the world of work. Four major implications for secondary education are drawn from the findings. A 14-page bibliography, a discussion of statistical tests of the significance of intergroup differences in regression, and tabulated regression results are appended. (Author/MS)