One of six introductory modules in a 22-module series designed to train vocational education curriculum specialists (VECS), this guide is intended for use by both instructor and student in a variety of education environments, including independent study, team teaching, seminars, and workshops, as well as in more conventional classroom settings. The guide has five major sections. Part I, Organization and Administration, contains an overview and rationale, educational goals and performance objectives, recommended learning materials, and suggested reference materials. Part II, Content and Study Activities, contains the content outline arranged by goals. Study activities for each goal and its corresponding objectives follow each section of the content outline. Content focus is on administrative organization and funding of vocational education at Federal, State, and local levels; secondary and postsecondary schools and other agencies and organizations that provide vocational education; and the functions and responsibilities of national, State, and local advisory committees. Part III, Group and Classroom Activities, suggests classroom or group activities and discussion questions keyed to specific content in the outline and to specific materials in the list of references. Part IV, Student Self-Check, contains questions directly related to the goals and objectives of the module, which may be used as a pretest or posttest or as a periodic self-check for students in determining their own progress throughout the module. Part V, Appendix, contains suggested responses to the study activities from part II and responses to the student self-checks. (HD)