Excellence is required in academic and vocational education to meet the challenges of an information age. There can no longer be divisiveness between the academic and vocational fields; cooperation is needed so students can see the connections between what they learn and what they will need to do on the job. The report issued by the National Commission on Excellence in Education, "A Nation at Risk," made five recommendations. The first recommendation was to require four years of English, three years of mathematics, science, and social studies, and one-half years of computer science in secondary education. These requirements do not preclude vocational courses; rather, the "new basics" are complemented by vocational education. The second recommendation urges schools and colleges to adopt more rigorous and measurable standards and higher expectations for academic performance and student conduct. High academic standards and assessment procedures must also apply to vocational education. The third recommendation is for better use of school time, whether longer days, longer years, or better use of time during the day. Additional school time would allow students to explore vocational courses and determine their occupational goals. The fourth recommendation of the report suggests higher pay and more evaluation of teachers. The Commission's endorsement of an 11-month teacher contract is consistent with vocational education's longstanding support for extended year contracts. The last recommendation of "A Nation at Risk" deals with questions of responsibility, funding allocations, and funding responsibility. The report says that educators as well as society at large will have to address these questions if excellence in education is to be attained. (Questions and answers regarding the Commission's study, particularly as it affected vocational education, are also contained in this document.) (KC)