This guide was developed to help vocational home economics teachers in Texas incorporate the essential elements mandated by the State Board of Education into the curriculum. The guide contains advice to teachers in the following 10 areas: program planning; curriculum; teaching basic academic skills in vocational home economics classes; supervised occupational activity programs; serving disadvantaged and handicapped students in vocational education; identification of special needs students; vocational education and special education coordination; references; teaching essential elements for vocational education; and vocational home economics education. A section of teaching aids also is included. (KC)