Four colleagues at Idaho State University describe how they used the DACUM (Developing A Curriculum) process to figure out what microcomputer competencies vocational educators need. Competencies include developing a personal plan for microcomputer competency; integrating computer-based instruction (CBI) into the vocational curriculum; planning,…

The ten-state university extension pilot program of the Energy Extension Service, United States Department of Energy, provides training through the state vocational education system for staff from utilities, community agencies, and local government to make on-site energy audits and encourage conservation by small energy users. (MF)

Describes the Action Plan to Improve Elementary and Secondary Education Results in New York. Discusses new state standards and expectations; coordinated program for grades seven-12; modular curriculum; accountability system; new courses in technology education, home and career skills, and introduction to occupations; and graduation requirements.…

The Noble Center for Advancing Technology (Oklahoma) is described. The center's "cell" concept, which fosters interaction among disciplines and encourages faculty to increase their sphere of knowledge, is described. Faculty members are quoted concerning their roles in and feelings about the center. (CT)

Describes development of a coal mining training curriculum in West Virginia for adults and high school students, as well as programs to retrain people in new equipment repair and in the emergency medical services required by state law. (MF)

Describes how the Georgia State Departments of Human Resources and of Education jointly developed programs for pregnant adolescents and school-age parents through pilot projects in local school systems. After staff in-service training, a home economics teacher in each project coordinated the program and also taught parenthood, nutrition,…

Discusses recommendations made by the Massachusetts Advisory Council of Vocational-Technical Education to improve the quality of secondary vocational curriculum. The author examines how and why the recommendations were created, how a hugh agenda was whittled down in scope, and how the council decided to favor the development of "cluster…

Many postsecondary technical education programs are facing obsolescence and need more than another course or piece of equipment to be effective. Educational institutions must restructure their programs, redesign their laboratories, and retrain their faculty. The business and industrial community is the direct beneficiary of a strong vocational…

Describes the process used by the Milwaukee Area Technical College to arrive at a new curriculum design: a geriatrically oriented curriculum that prepares graduates to work in nursing homes. The new curriculum focuses heavily on care of the elderly; students study geriatric nursing and work with older adults. (CT)

This article synthesizes the key concepts and information that emerged from the 1983 hearing on vocational-technical education in the community college. Concepts discussed include customized training, articulated curriculums, collaboration training partnerships, off-campus classes, programs for special populations, and serving adult students. Six…

The author describes how the Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania) public school system changed its mainstreaming vocational program for educable mentally retarded students from child care to care-giving. Illustrating the change model, the child care curriculum was modified to include care of the aged and the retarded. (MF)

Describes the VECM (Vocational Education Curriculum Materials) database and how it can help solve curriculum problems. Elements of this database are discussed: ease of entry and retrieval of information, how information is coded, equipment needed to gain entry, how to use the database, uniqueness of the database, and membership information. (CT)

These five articles discuss the improvement of vocational education programs through the infusion of mathematics and science skills. They include an auto mechanics curriculum; an 11th-grade industrial maintenance program (orientation, electricity, plumbing); a combination automotive services-small business program; and two programs at one…

To train sheet metal workers in energy conservation technology, the National Training Fund (NTF) of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Industry collaborated with universities in developing their apprenticeship curricula on solar-powered environmental systems, a solar air system training film, and NTF instructor training courses and workshops.…

The author states that vocational education leaders must face three kinds of decisions: (1) fundamental reexamination of the design and structure of the educational system; (2) whether or not vocational and nonvocational education should be co-mingled at the secondary and postsecondary levels; and (3) updating and upgrading of the school-based…