A task force convened by the Colorado State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education and the Colorado Department of Education met in 1984-85 to seek ways to bring vocational education, industrial arts education, and general education closer together in the preparation of students for entry into the world of work. This report addresses the following six basic charges given to the task force: (1) to recommend strategies for improving basic skill levels and employability skills of students; (2) to develop strategies to integrate general education, vocational/industrial/technical education, objectives, and programs; (3) to recommend strategies for improved career counseling and career education in K-12 and postsecondary schools; (4) to recommend appropriate roles of area vocational schools and community colleges and higher education institutions in the improvement of educational opportunities for all students; (5) to recommend establishing more meaningful relationships and interaction between businesses, industry, and public schools; and (6) to recommend desirable teacher education practices and certification and credentialing requirements for vocational educators and others, such as those who enter teaching through occupational experience. This report contains strategies recommended for each of these charges. In addition, the report includes operational suggestions related to each charge, a list of recommendations not directly related to the charges, a glossary of terms and definitions, a suggested list of desirable competencies, a career education progress chart, and revised paragraphs of the Colorado statutes. (KC)