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)

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,…

Describes a Wisconsin model for evaluating secondary vocational education programs. The model steps include a self-evaluation, a team site visit, and an implementation phase. (CT)

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)

Recognizes that the need for vocational education improvement was partially satisfied through legislative mandate. Suggests that states should be given more authority to determine how goals, objectives, and activities will be accomplished. (JOW)

The author discusses several methods of improving teacher quality: rewarding faculty involved in student recruitment; teaching the design, delivery, and evaluation of instruction; encouraging participation in inservice programs; and recruiting the elderly to provide expertise in professional fields. The decline in the quantity and quality of…

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.…

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)

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)

The author examines the results of a questionnaire sent to state directors of vocational education concerning their opinions of how vocational education is faring under new state graduation requirements for vocational education students. Negative and positive effects are explored. (CT)

Reviews the information-gathering and record-keeping methods used at Milwaukee Area Technical College and explains the usefulness of such data in maintaining accountability, improving instructional quality, and planning for the future. (SK)

Contains "Adult Learner and the Perkins Act" (Terry); "Special Needs Provisions of the Perkins Act" (Cobb, Kingsbury); "Strengthening the Academic Foundations of Vocational Education" (Parks, Henderson); "Planning New Directions for Consumer and Homemaking Education" (Kister, Smith, Hughes); "Sex Equity…

Reviews the usefulness of existing national longitudinal studies in determining the effects of vocational education. It is clear that there is no unified vocational education program and that students in these programs differ markedly from those in other curricula. (SK)

The author suggests that the primary purpose of vocational education is to promote human development by exposing the learner to intrinsically meaningful activities. The criterion for evaluating vocational education from this perspective is the growth of students' personal qualities. (SK)