Summarizes problems of training programs for offenders across the United States. Recommends five actions that are necessary to have a realistic vocational education program for offenders and suggests attitude changes that must be made by vocational educators. (LRA)

The president of the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation (COPA) answers some basic questions about accreditation, describes what COPA is and does, and notes how it relates to other organizations involved in or affected by accreditation. He calls COPA the "balance wheel" meshing many accreditation forces for smooth operation. (MF)

Compares current U.S. productivity to productivity in two previous decades and to productivity in Japan and Germany. Suggests that productivity comes from three groups of factors: (1) human resources, (2) technology and capital investment, and (3) the external environment. Recommends that vocational educators should more aggressively sell their…

The author cites several definitions of "accountability" in education, looks at some state accountability legislation and lawsuits, and considers the meaning of and obstacles to educational accountability. Discussing such topics as who is accountable for success and who controls the curriculum, he concludes that legislating accountability in…

Reviews the status and advantages of the metric system's implementation in the U.S. Describes metrication already accomplished and conversions planned in the near future. The role for vocational education in this process is pointed out. (MF)

Reviews developments in health care and suggests strategies for preparing students to incorporate some previews of the 1980s into their career and vocational decisions. (LRA)

The author states that vocational education teachers in secondary schools have no more important task than to teach subject area reading skills to their students. He discusses common-sight reading skills (e.g., learning technical vocabulary), textbook/manual skills (e.g., using a textbook), and shop/lab/classroom skills (e.g., identifying tools).…

The author describes his observations on Chinese society and education during his 1978 visit with the official delegation of United States educators. He notes what Americans would consider primitive facilities and programs, the tremendous problems of China's size and population, and the overriding influence of political concerns on education. (MF)

The first step toward effective teaching is putting forth an extra effort, says the author, and this step can help vocational teachers as well as their students. An extra-effort teacher has time to talk with students, cares about them, is an adult model for them, and always strives for improvement. (MF)

The state of the economy, dramatic shifts in population, and changing federalism will all shape the large issues of the 1980s. These issues will be a major force affecting the renewal of the Vocational Education Act. (LRA)

Describes a program designed to reduce unemployment among out-of-school youth caused by the inability of these youth to document that they have assets in demand by employers. The program would provide the chance to acquire such assets and to build a documented record of achievement, experience, and certification. (LRA)

The growing shortage of skilled workers in industrial maintenance, the growing complexity of equipment, and the automation of production processes call for improved and increased employee training and retraining. A General Motors training supervisor notes how education and industry can cooperate to provide this education and training. (MF)

For student organizations to bring realism into vocational education and develop a sense of vocationalism in students, organization activities must originate with the vocational curriculum, fund-raising should relate to the curriculum, and all members encouraged to participate. Wise use of student organizations can promote student learning and…

In discussing ways in which schools can be more responsive to youth needs, the article outlines psychological principles used in successful vocational programs. The principles address student needs for meaningful learning materials, emotional involvement, novelty, and success. Factors of control along with freedom within structure are included in…

According to some civil rights advocates, vocational education has not served women and minorities; racial and sex biases remain. The author notes examples of this discrimination, both in goverment and in the education profession, and suggests steps to change programs with federal aid and to promote vocational education. (MF)