A review of vocational education in seven States provides the basis for this report on the role of Federal involvement, authorized by the Vocational Education Act (VEA), as amended. The material is presented in the form of responses to questions. In each area conclusions are offered, followed by recommendations to the Secretary of HEW and responses thereto, and recommdnations to the Congress. The questions and a summary of responses to them are: (1) What role does the Federal Dollar play? VEA funds do not necessarily play a catalytic role; Office of Education monitoring has been inadequate. (2) How is vocational education planned? State and local plans reflect compliance rather than planning; systematic ongoing assessment of needs does not take place; multiple jurisdictions operate in virtual isolation; advisory council evaluations are limited; data for evaluation is inadequate or unused. (3) How are Federal funds distributed? VEA specifies criteria; State distribution practices do not reflect local needs and resources. (4) How are training resources used? VEA supports maximum use of training resources in the community; several factors limit use of existing resources. (5) Is training related to employment? Changing manpower needs require changing programs; practices occur which limit the relevancy of training programs. (SA)