Α. TRANSITION FROM EDUCATION TO LABOUR MARKET

1. 2nd GRADUATES SURVEY ,
(PDF file in Greek)        
Panagiotis Rouseas, Vasileia Vretakou, Athens 2008         

ABSTRACT

The second graduates survey followed-up upper secondary education graduates (of school year 2000-01) from education to labor market. The survey was funded by the second "Operational Programme for Education and Initial Vocational Training" of the third "Community Support Framework". The scope of this survey, similarly with the1st Graduates Survey, was to generate and explore quantitative data on the transition of secondary education (both general and vocational) students from school to work. Since the time of the first graduates survey, after an educational reform, the configuration of upper secondary education had changed. The participants were graduates of a diversified upper-secondary education cycle, which included a general education school (Integraded Lyceum) and a technical-vocational school (TEE). The 2nd Graduates Survey has following characteristics:

• It is composed of two parallel surveys which has been carried out at the same time.                            
• Participants of the first survey were graduates of technical-vocational schools (TEE) and participants of the other survey were graduates of general education schools (Integraded Lyceums).
• It is a longitudinal survey (panel) that has been carried out in two phases.    

The 2nd Graduates Survey revealed the pattern of overall employment the graduates of general and vocational schools. Moreover the survey revealed the extent of mached employment of TEE graduates. According to findings matced employment comes up to 35%. This figure raise question for the effectiveness of vocational education in Greece.

2. LONGITUTINAL SURVEY OF EDUCATIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL CHOICES OF SECONDARY EDUCATION STUDENTS (A΄ PHASE),
( ZIP file in Greek)
Panagiotis Rouseas, Vasileia Vretakou, Athens 2008       

ABSTRACT

The scope of the survey is to identify the educational and occupational pathways of greek youth and the infleuncing factors that shape their preferences over time. This panel type survey was funded by the second "Operational Programme for Education and Initial Vocational Training" of the third "Community Support Framework" and has been planned to have 3 phases. In A΄ phase (it has already been carried out in spring 2007), 6.727 gymnasium students (age 15) were asked about their future educational and occupational plans (self-administered questionnaire). Moreover, a variety of indexes were specified (school engagement, self esteem, locus of control, social support) upon which their preferences were tested. B΄ phase is scheduled to be carried out (personal interviews) three years after A΄ phase (spring 2010), when most of the sample members would be in the final year of upper secondary education (either general or vocational stream). The final phase C΄ is scheduled to be carried out (telephone interviews) five years after phase B΄ (spring 2015) when most of the sample members would be either in tertiary education or in labor market.

3. 1st GRADUATES SURVEY ,
(file in Greek)
Stamatis Paleocrassas, Panagiotis Rouseas, Vasileia Vretakou, Athens 2000   

ABSTRACT     

This survey was conducted in the framework of a feasibility study on the establishment of a S-T-W Observatorium at the Pedagogical Institute of the Ministry of Education in Greece and was funded by the first "Operational Programme for Education and Initial Vocational Training" of the second "Community Support Framework". The scope of the survey was to generate and explore quantitative and qualitative data on the transition of secondary education (both general and vocational) students from school to work. The students were graduates of a diversified upper-secondary education cycle, which includes a general education school (GEL), a vocational school (TEL), an occupation-specific school (TES) and an integrated comprehensive (general and vocational) school (EPL). Only graduates who did not continue their studies in post-secondary and higher education were included in the survey. Compulsory education lasts 9 years and it ends with the 3-yr lower-secondary general school (the Gymnasium).
The methodology followed for the survey may be identified as a cross-sectional one with the use of structured personal interviews (carried out during 1998). The population of the cohort used was 75,600 graduates (of the school year 1988-89) of all four types of school and the sample used in the survey was 4,986 graduates (6.6%). The findings are presented in the form of multiple entrance tables and graphs.

The national survey revealed the pattern of overall employment and matched employment for the graduates of all four types of school (and for all the specialties offered within a certain type of school). Low matched employment rates for the graduates mainly of TEL and EPL raise question for the effectiveness of vocational education in Greece.

4. TRANSITION FROM EDUCATION TO LABOR MARKET: FINDINGS FROM A LOGISTIC REGRESSION ON DATA OF THE "1st GRADUATES SURVEY"
(PDF file in Greek), Panagiotis Rouseas, Athens 2000  

ABSTRACT

A logistic regression analysis on data from the 1st Graduates Survey (dependent variable employment) revealed that gender, primarily, work experience acquired while attending school, and knowledge of a foreign language (in this order) seem to be the most important factors which determine the employment status of secondary general and vocational education graduates in the Greek labour market.

5. GRADUATES IN THE LABOR MARKET: EVIDENCE AND CAREER EDUCATION POLICY ISSUES FOR GREECE ,
(PDF file in English) [published in "International Journal of Vocational Education and Training"), Vol. 10, No 1, pp. 53-63, 2002]  
Stamatis Paleocrassas, Panagiotis Rouseas, Vasileia Vretakou   

ABSTRACT

Gender, primarily, work experience acquired while attending school, and knowledge of a foreign language (in this order) seem to be the most important factors which determine the employment status of secondary general and vocational education graduates in the Greek labour market. Evidence from a national graduate survey (1st Graduates Survey) shows that employment mismatch, earnings and unemployment period following graduation are differentiated unfavorably for women, and favorably for individuals who held a job while attending school, and for those who were certified in a foreign language (mainly in English). School-based career education policy measures such as a more efficient informing of students on labour market conditions, and linking schools with local enterprises through alternating (school-industry) enterpreneural activities, would raise the quality of the vocational orientation of the students and enhance their opportunities to secure matched employment upon graduation.

6. UPPER SECONDARY CURRICULUM OPTIONS AND LABOR MARKET PERFORMANCE: EVIDENCE FROM A GRADUATES SURVEY IN GREECE,
(PDF file in English), [published in "Journal of Vocational Education and Training", Vol. 54, No 2, pp.295-304, 2002]
Stamatis Paleocrassas, Panagiotis Rouseas, Vasileia Vretakou   

ABSTRACT

This paper presents empirical evidence from the 1st Graduates Survey and discusses labor market performance of graduates from curriculum options in a diversified upper secondary education scheme, with emphasis on the benefit of choosing the vocational intensity of instruction. Such evidence, which was generated for the Greek education system, shows a generally high employment mismatch (68%-85%), the largest mismatch attributed to graduates from an integrated-comprehensive curriculum option and the smallest to graduates from the occupation specific curriculum option. On the other hand, the evidence shows that these options benefit low achievers, who remain at school, and acquire at least minimum employable skills and avoid long-term unemployment. The evidence did not show differences in earnings relative to type of curriculum completed, but it did show differences relative to gender (females had lower earnings) and to type of employment (i.e. self employment, civil servant, employer, etc.).

7. SCHOOL-TO-WORK TRANSITION PERFORMANCE OF 'MALE', 'FEMALE' AND 'NEUTRAL' VOCATIONAL STREAMS: A GENDER BALANCE SHEET FOR VOCATIONAL EDUCATION GRADUATES IN GREECE,
(ZIP file in English) [published in "Journal of Vocational Education and Training", Vol. 55, No 2, pp.209-221, 2003],         
Stamatis Paleocrassas, Panagiotis Rouseas, Vasileia Vretakou   

ABSTRACT

The issue of gender-related differences in the transition of secondary vocational education graduates from school-to-work is discussed, relative to 'male', 'female' and 'neutral' curriculum choices, using findings from a national survey of graduates (1st Graduates Survey). The discussion explores thiw issue using matched employment and earnings as critical indicators. Comparisons are made with corresponding findings in a survey conducted by CEREQ for France. This article suggests that gender equity in entry and and transition to labour market is a complex issue, when explored relative to gender related choices of vocational streams and gender differences in transition performance. The findings where generally consistent with expectations, relative to the social condext, which prevails in Greece. The evidence supports the Frence conclusion that, under certain conditions, non-traditional education and training can benefit young women in their school-to-work transition. On the other hand, unlike the French findings, data on some segregated training programmes show that female labour market performance is suprisingly favourable, espesially for pre-vocational training courses, which have a stronger general education component in the curriculum than vocational education courses.

8. EDUCATIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL PREFERENCES OF MARITIME SECTOR STUDENTS,
(ZIP file in Greek),  
Stamatis Paleocrassas, Panagiotis Rouseas, Vasileia Vretakou, Athens 2001.   

ABSTRACT

The scope of the research was to identify the educational and occupational preferences of maritime sector students of Greek Technical and Vocational Schools (TEE). The methodology followed for the survey may be identified as a census type, since all 1st and 2nd grade students (in total 338 students from 9 schools) of maritime sector participated. A set of suggestions follows, based on the findings and aiming at improving the curriculum, in order to match it better with the needs of the students.

Β. DROPOUTS IN SECONDARY EDUCATION

1. 4th DROPOUT SURVEY (COHORT 2003-04): DROPOUTS IN SECONDARY EDUCATION (GYMNASIUM, INTEGRATED LYCEUM, TECHNICAL-PROFESSIONAL SCHOOLS),
(ZIP file in Greek), 
Panagiotis Rouseas, Vasileia Vretakou, Athens 2008

Quantitative findings of a survey on dropouts from all types of Greek secondary schools (Gymnasium, Integrated Lyceum, Technical-Professional Schools) are presented and compared with corresponding findings of previous dropout surveys and with relevant findings from other european countries. The main finding of this survey is that the dropout rate decline in lower secondary education (as found out in previous dropout surveys) does not seem to continue. According to an estimation, which is based on the findings of this survey, the dropout rate for overall secondary education (lower and upper) adds up to 14%. Although Greece, when comparing with other EU countries, ranks in middle position in secondary education dropout rate, the abovemention figure makes difficult for the country to reach the objective set by European Council in 2003 (EC Objective: By 2010, an average ratio of no more than 10% early school leavers should be achieved).

2. 3th Dropout Survey (cohort 2000-01): DROPOUTS IN SECONDARY EDUCATION (GYMNASIUM, INTEGRATED LYCEUM, TECHNICAL-PROFESSIONAL SCHOOLS),
(zip file in Greek),
Panagiotis Rouseas, Vasileia Vretakou, Athens 2006  

Quantitative findings of a survey on dropouts from all types of Greek secondary schools (Gymnasium, Integrated Lyceum, Technical-Professional Schools) are presented and compared with corresponding findings of previous dropout surveys and with relevant findings from other european countries. The national average dropout rate has been found to be steadily declining.

3. 2th Dropout Survey (cohort 1997-98): DROPOUTS IN GREEK LOWER SECONDARY EDUCATION (GYMNASIUM): QUANTITATIVE DATA,
(file in Greek),
Stamatis Paleocrassas, Panagiotis Rouseas, Vasileia Vretakou, Athens 2001.

Quantitative findings of a survey on dropouts from the Greek lower secondary school are presented and compared with corresponding findings of ten and twenty years ago. The national average dropout rate has been found to be steadily declining, when compared with the respective findings of previous dropout surveys.

4. 1th Dropout Survey (cohorts 1987-88, 1989-90, 1991-92): DROPOUTS IN GREEK LOWER SECONDARY EDUCATION (GYMNASIUM) AND THEIR NEEDS FOR VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DATA , 
Stamatis Paleocrassas, Panagiotis Rouseas, Vasileia Vretakou, Athens 1996.

The following articles (5, 6, 7) are based on data from 1st Dropout Survey.

5. DROPOUTS IN GREEK LOWER SECONDARY EDUCATION (GYMNASIUM): QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DATA (pdf file in Greek),
(PDF file in Greek) [published in the Proceedings of the European Symposium for the School Failure (S. Paleocrassas, editor), pp. 68-76, Αthens 1997]
Stamatis Paleocrassas, Panagiotis Rouseas, Vasileia Vretakou.

ABSTRACT

Quantitative and qualitative data concerning Gymnasium dropouts are presented and commented upon. Based on these empirical data and on similar data originated in other European countries the authors argue that the average dropout rate in the Greek compulsory education cycle is near the average rate in the European Union. Yet, when linking this seemingly good statistic to the serious demographic problem of Greece, an unpleasant reality is coming up. In a country where the birthrate-index has fallen to 1.48, with the critical limit being 2, about 15,000 young people exit the education system each year without any formal qualifications and with limited prospects for proper jobs. On the other hand, according to the survey findings, it is encouraging that most Greek Gymnasium dropouts hold some sort of a job and do not exhibit antisocial behaviour. More importantly, most of them are aware of their limited occupational prospects and are eager to attend special vocational education and training courses in order to improve themselves.

6. DESIGNING SPECIAL VOCATIONAL TRAINING COURSES FOR SCHOOL DROPOUTS: THE CASE OF GREECE (htm file in English),
(HTM file in English) [published in "International Journal of Vocational Education and Training", Vol 5, No 2, pp. 57-64, Fall 1997]
Stamatis Paleocrassas, Panagiotis Rouseas, Vasileia Vretakou.

ABSTRACT

Recent findings of a survey type research showed that each year about 15,000 students drop out of lower secondary education schools, before completing compulsory education. Compulsory education in Greece does not contain a vocational training component and, consequently, these young people are inducted into the world of work without employable skills. Designing initial vocational training courses for school dropouts is a procedure which requires the cooperation of several specialists, each one of whom must be experienced in addressing special needs. Following the research findings in Greece, these needs are councelling, vocational orientation and guidance, modularized curriculum development based on the learning-by-objectives method, and local labour market analysis. The procedure also needs some validation and consensus by the local social partners, if the outcome of the training delivery is to maximize the prospects for stable employment for the dropouts. This paper proposes a framework for the conceptualisation of such course designs, which may be useful to other countries with similar socio-economic conditions.

7. GREEK LOWER SECONDARY DROPOUTS: RESULTS FROM A NATIONAL STUDY,
(PDF file in English),   [published in "Journal of the European Educational Research Association", Volume 3, Number 1, April 1997,  pp. 12-18],
Stamatis Paleocrassas, Panagiotis Rouseas, Vasileia Vretakou

ABSTRACT

Quantitative and qualitative data are used to compare the recent dropout rates in Greek secondary education with the situation ten years before and to examine the factors contributing to this dropout. The authors suggest that the principle reasons for dropout lie in low school achievement coupled with economic or domestic demands within the family. Unlike many western european countries, little association was found between dropping-out of school and anti-social behaviour.

C. MISCELLANIOUS SURVEYS - STUDIES

1. RESEARCH ON THE LINKING OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAININIG CURRICULA WITH THE LABOUR MARKET,
Athens 2008 (PDF file in Greek)  

ABSTRACT

The study involves a pilot application of a model, which is being used by the German research center BIBB for the linking of vocational education curricula with the labour market.  The model concerns the establishment of a labour market network of 'correspondents', according to economic sectors, aiming at gathering critical information concerning developments in job contents, and thereby updating accordingly the related curricula contents. The network of labour market correspondents is expected to fill the deficit in work experience of the curriculum developers at the Pedagogical Institute, who, by law, are hired primarily on the basis of their scientific qualifications.  The study also explores the method of selecting the proper correspondents and the way of creating a related Register, from which the curriculum developers at the Pedagogical Institute will be selecting, experienced advisers, individually or in Ad Hoc project teams, so that the curricula under development would be unofficially validated by labour market practioners, before they are finalized and implemented.

2. RESEARCH ON THE EDUCATIONAL CHOICES OF SECONDARY EDUCATION STUDENTS IN RELATION WITH THE TERTIARY EDUCATION DEPARTMENT THEY ADMITTED THROUGH "PANELLENIC ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS", 
(ZIP file in Greek) Christos Ragiadakos, Athens 2008

3. SUPPLY AND DEMAND COUNTER-BALANCE TECHNIQUES OF EDUCATIONAL CHOICES IN EUROPE,
(ZIP file in Greek) Christos Ragiadakos, Athens 2008

4. VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN GREECE (SHORT DESCRIPTION),
(PDF file in English)    [This study was commisioned and printed by CEDEDOP], September 2002,
Vasileia Vretakou, Panagiotis Rouseas,                                                                                                                  

D. POLICY PAPERS

1. POLICY PAPER BASED ON THE "RESEARCH ON THE LINKING OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAININIG CURRICULA WITH THE LABOUR MARKET,
Stamatis Paleocrassas, Athens 2008, (ZIP file in Greek)

2. POLICY PAPER BASED ON THE "2nd GRADUATES SURVEY",
Stamatis Paleocrassas, Athens 2007, (ZIP file in Greek)

3. POLICY PAPER BASED ON THE "4th Dropout Survey (cohort 2003-04): DROPOUTS IN SECONDARY EDUCATION (GYMNASIUM, INTEGRATED LYCEUM, TECHNICAL-PROFESSIONAL SCHOOLS)",
Stamatis Paleocrassas, Athens 2007, (ZIP file in Greek)