A revised Statewide System for the Evaluation of Occupational Education programs was put into effect during the 1981-82 academic year. That year all school districts in New York State which had received federal funds for occupational education during the period 1977-1980 were required to begin evaluating their occupational education programs. The purpose of the evaluation is to promote the improvement of programs in occupational education and of services provided to students and potential students. The evaluation is expected to assess the strengths and needs of the occupational education programs, to identify exemplary practices, and to provide information to be used in planning at state and federal levels. There are 14 key areas to be assessed beginning with potential students' awareness of occupational program availability and extending through follow-up of program completers to ascertain how the program can be improved. The assessment is intended to be conducted in a continuous cycle of three to five years. The recommended steps to be followed in carrying out the assessment are presented. Suggestions for each of the steps and a time line are included. (PN)