Concerted efforts are also needed to effectively introduce TVE in general school curricula so that education is linked with the world of work.

UNESCO: EDUCATION

The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors -- or DREAM -- Act, would create a path to citizenship for immigrants who entered the United States illegally as children under the age of 16 and have lived in the United States for at least five years, obtained a high school or General Education Development diploma, and demonstrated "good moral character, " the White House said.

CNN: Joy, criticism greet immigration policy move

One reason for the relatively large high school completion rate is that the United States offers a number of "second chances" for students to obtain a high school diploma, including attendance at special school-based programs and obtaining a General Education Credential (GED) credential, usually by passing a high school equivalency examination.

UNESCO: II Part Analytic Section

Executive Director, NAVTTC, Tariq Shafi Chak urged to define role of TVET in general education and to incorporate in school curriculum.

UNESCO: EDUCATION

In 2004, for example, only 37.4% of primary school graduates made the transition from primary to secondary general education.

UNESCO: Family Basic Education (FABE)

Stanford's director of executive education program development, Sean Bendarkar, says the school offers a three-week general management program in Singapore which is proving very popular.

CNN: Economic growth underpins demand

The responsibility for issuing high school equivalency certificates or diplomas rests with states, and they've relied on the General Education Development exam since soon after the test was created to help returning World War II veterans.

WSJ: Some states dropping GED as test price spikes

Concern about the issue prompted the National Association of Attorneys General to pass a resolution last month encouraging states to work with local school districts to implement teen dating violence education policies.

CNN: Survey reveals abuse in teen relationships