A study determined the extent to which the states and territories used their handicapped and disadvantaged set-aside funds under the Education Amendments of 1976 to support program improvement projects. The population of 57 research coordinating unit directors was surveyed. (Author)

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…

Federal support for research in vocational education dates from the Smith-Hughes Act of 1917. However, only one substantial study of vocational education research has been undertaken. In 1974, the National Academy of Sciences-National Research Council was awarded funds from the Bureau of Occupational and Adult Education for a two-year examination…