Reviews vocational education's role in private-sector retraining programs, reducing unemployment, attracting new industries, and developing human resources. Briefly discusses recent federal initiatives toward economic development and their relationship to vocational education. (LRA)

A survey of Black leaders across the U.S. revealed that they place primary importance on the role of vocational programs in helping students find employment. Approximately 79 percent believe that students should be qualified to graduate from a vocational program only after passing a job performance test and academic tests. (LRA)