This book reviews the history of vocational, technical, and adult education (VTAE) in Wisconsin, which has one of the most effective systems in the United States. The review shows that although the system has changed dramatically, its mission of education for employment has not. Nine chapters consider Wisconsin's VTAE system from statehood to the 1920s and within each decade from the 1920s to the 1990s. The focus is on the political progress of the system as a whole. Attention is paid to the early leaders--Charles McCarthy, Jennie Willing McMullin Turner, George P. Hambrecht, and Edward A. Fitzpatrick. The text also points out that the system as a whole began to experience external political weakness during the 1950s due directly to internal conflict, a development that serves to show the value of philosophical unity and cohesiveness. Chapter IX, on the 1990s, briefly addresses the need for skilled workers and anticipates changes in Wisconsin's VTAE system. A speech by Hambrecht on Wisconsin part-time schools is appended. Other appendices list Wisconsin directors of vocational education and VTAE districts in 1985 and depict the evolution of the state board. Fifteen figures and 38 references are provided. (YLB)