Lists the attributes of quality vocational education programs: depth of instruction, closeness to industry, and response to labor market demands. Indicates why it is difficult for comprehensive high schools to offer high quality programs, due to size of enrollment, administrative leadership, and personnel policy. (SK)

Analyzes data on racial and sex differences in vocational education enrollments and wage and employment opportunities for vocational education graduates. Examines variations in vocational education program quality in urban districts and suggests that programs in centralized facilities are of higher quality than those in the comprehensive high…

The challenge of making schools more comprehensive and responsive to students' intellectual, social, vocational, and personal needs extends to the entire community. (JD)

High schools and teacher training institutions in the United States exhibit different characteristics than those exhibited by similar schools in other countries. These differences are rooted in America's history and help explain why secondary education and higher education in America are not coordinated in ways that consistently promote…