The Commission on Vocational Education and Career Opportunities in the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) studied vocational education and career preparation activities in the DCPS and explored strategies for improving them. The study established that DCPS is failing to fulfill its career preparation mission. The problems of too many dropouts, inadequate skill development, and unsystematic career planning were deemed particularly unacceptable. Problems plaguing the DCPS career preparation program were identified at all levels from elementary through postsecondary. The following 15 recommendations for reforming the DCPS career preparation program by integrating academic and vocational education were formulated: increase total units required for graduation, set course achievement standards, require mastery of more advanced academic skills, require a computer literacy course, require a four-course major, form stronger linkages to postsecondary training, make contextual and cooperative learning priority topics for teacher training, increase teacher exposure to the applied uses of knowledge, improve linkages to the world of work and employers, address low student performance through expanded developmentally oriented remediation, require a career exploration course, systematize and expand career guidance, expand counselor training, and strengthen career information flows via interagency relationships. (Appended is a list of consultants/liaisons assisting in commission.) (MN)