The author examines the usefulness of a single and separate governance structure for all the public vocational-technical education in a state. The article tells how the policy change came about in Arkansas and looks at the progress that has taken place under the new system. (CT)

Describes the design and implementation of the microcomputer network that will soon link every vocational center and comprehensive high school in West Virginia. The author discusses the advantages of networking, what equipment is used, instructional emphases, how various programs use the network, teacher training, and learner outcomes. (CT)

The General Accounting Office studied the Texas correctional educational system and identified the following strengths: (1) the prison-school district concept, (2) inmates help design the curriculum, and (3) apprenticeship training agreements. (LRA)

The PREPS (Program of Research and Evaluation for Public Schools) consortium in Mississippi is described. The article discusses the consortium's purpose, the role of university researchers, what kind of research is conducted, function of the PREPS staff, PREPS membership, the kinds of problems that PREPS addresses, and suggestions for developing…

The 10 winners of the 1984 Secretary of Education's Awards for Outstanding Vocational Education Programs are listed. The article also describes the selection process, criteria used to select the awardees, and components of outstanding programs. Three winners of past years also are described. (CT)

Summarizes problems of training programs for offenders across the United States. Recommends five actions that are necessary to have a realistic vocational education program for offenders and suggests attitude changes that must be made by vocational educators. (LRA)

Reviewing the many possible outcomes (intended and unintended) of vocational education programs, the author posits four tests for evaluation criteria: appropriateness, importance, feasibility, and usefulness. He discusses policy implications of the lack of consensus over the particular outcomes for which vocational education should be accountable.…

Summarizes results from several surveys of students, parents, graduates, teachers, employers, and the public in six states on the quality of vocational education programs, public image, responsiveness of vocational education to student and business community needs, and the extent of articulation between persons and institutions. (MF)

Reviews research evaluating the effectiveness of consumer and home economics education, including political and methodological problems; statewide studies in West Virginia, Texas, Iowa, Michigan, and Indiana; and current efforts for a national assessment. (SK)

Focusing on successful vocational programs for Blacks, this article describes two differently structured secondary-level schools located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: (1) Murrell Dobbins Area Vocational-Technical School and (2) A. Philip Randolph Skills Center. (LRA)

As long as vocational education is presented as an investment in the future, it must stand the test of economic evaluation. Research on its economic effectiveness is essential to more informed public policy and support for vocational programs. (SK)

Describes the methods a school board used to recruit students for its vocational education programs. Methods include buying radio time and running public service announcements on radio, newspaper advertisements, direct mail, billboards, newsletters, slide/tape presentations, brochures, displays at shopping malls, and promotional items (calendars,…

Suggestions are presented to help vocational education programs become effective lobbyists: decide what you want, choose the appropriate forum, take a position, review current laws, know what is allowed, identify your leaders, form a network, cultivate legislative leaders, take part in hearings, provide information, testify, and build working…

In discussing ways in which schools can be more responsive to youth needs, the article outlines psychological principles used in successful vocational programs. The principles address student needs for meaningful learning materials, emotional involvement, novelty, and success. Factors of control along with freedom within structure are included in…