The National Research Center for Career and Technical Education (NRCCTE) had a unique status among federally funded research and development center in education. Its funding was authorized by the federal legislation for career and technical and administered by the Office of Vocational and Adult Education, not the Institute for Education Sciences.…

Presents two viewpoints on the question of using funding from the Vocational Education Act to maintain ongoing vocational programs. Ballard argues that programs have improved qualitatively because of additional program improvement monies, whereas Burdette argues that the ban on using funds for maintenance treats some states unfairly. (CH)

Good public relations begins with a good communication plan. Eight steps for getting started are (1) have a written plan; (2) begin internally; (3) communicate; (4) target your audience; (5) market; (6) meet the press; (7) know thyself; and (8) be happy on days you break even. (JOW)

Of one million incarcerated persons, fewer than 20% recieve educational assistance. Prison education programs and a systematic approach to planning for vocational education are needed. (JOW)

Discusses the criteria for developing and planning formal learning activities for members of a professional association. Includes eight predictors of success: (1) different entry levels; (2) distance study option; (3) membership maintenance; (4) levels of certification; (5) nomenclature; (6) a newsletter; (7) alumni services; and (8) marketing.…

Asserts that programs for the gifted/talented are virtually nonexistent in New Jersey's vocational schools, which serve a large portion of the state's high school population. Lists some of the efforts which will be needed to change this situation. (SJL)

The first step in any planning process should be problem identification. Appropriate planning techniques, starting with formal needs assessments, will help vocational education control its own future. (LRA)

Vocational education is an important educational strategy that should be a key part of our national effort to reduce the dropout rate. However, we must ensure that vocational education is not seen as the only solution to the problem. We need a multifaceted approach that involves the entire educational system. (JOW)

Points out that the agriculture industry is changing and that vocational agriculture students must learn more science than before to be prepared. Iowa formed groups of educators and business representatives to advise on which curricula should be funded. (JOW)

Improvement of employment opportunities for Vocational, Technical, and Adult Education (VTAE) students and CETA clients in Wisconsin is a central goal for both organizations. This cooperative working relationship has been the impetus for new vocational programs in the Indianhead VTAE District. (Editor)

The guidelines for vocational assessment of handicapped students are intended to help Texas educators fulfill requirements that a vocational assessment be completed before a handicapped student is placed in a vocational education program. Three levels of assessment data are distinguished: Level I data which are collected by special education…

Describes the process used by the St. Louis Community College to integrate the general curriculum with occupational programs. Includes sidebars about the process used in colleges in Florida and Wisconsin. (JOW)

Identifies and describes the following components in the integration of science knowledge and skills in vocational programs: curriculum, assessment, planning, support services and resources, intervention, and evaluation. (Author)

Discusses principles for the development and implementation of agricultural literacy programs: all should have a basic understanding of agriculture; schools have a responsibility to educate citizenry about agriculture; students should be able to apply scientific principles to agriculture; agricultural literacy is too broad to be implemented…

Discusses the School-to-Work Opportunities Act, federal legislation that promises up to $300 million for education programs that give all students better access to postsecondary education and better jobs after high school. Offers principles to assist in obtaining some of the funding. (JOW)