In examining how one state (Illinois) approaches the development of a comprehensive state capacity for program improvement in vocational education, it is helpful to review federal legislative action. Research and development (R & D) did not become an official legislative element of vocational education until the 1963 Vocational Education Act…

The lack of systematic, national data on the priority problems being experienced in the field operation of vocational education programs has been a barrier to the design of effective strategies for program improvement. The major purpose of this study was to provide a preliminary assessment of the field operation needs of vocational education. From…