A former MDTA and CETA project coordinator describes the goals and frustrations accrued during several years' field experience with funded programs. He recommends a redirection of CETA back toward a vocational and occupational training emphasis. This would serve to enlarge the skills and competencies of those covered by the program. (CT)

Demographic and workplace trends imply the need for changes in vocational education and teacher preparation, such as access for all students, dropout prevention, curriculum updating, diverse role models, programs for older populations, strategic planning, promotion/tenure reforms, improved ethnic/gender representation, and collaboration with…

The author urges vocational educators to be aware of the political philosophies that set the agenda for the role of vocational education in our school system. He points out that vocational education has been allowed to become too broad and raises questions about the reform movement. (Author/CT)

A five-step method of instructional program evaluation is described, which helps insure educators that their graduates will continue to gain employment and that courses will continue to teach skills sought by employers. The steps are self-identification, target groups, requirements, data reduction, and program development. (CT)

By combining resources, experience, and expertise, vocational educators and CETA sponsors can better develop a total human development system that can more effectively serve America's young people. The author discusses such topics as the problem of image, training cost-benefit ratios, and the changing employment picture. (CT)

Includes "A New Vocational Education Act" (Anderson-Yates, Washburn); "Program Evaluation and Improvement under Perkins 1990" (Stadt); "The U.S. Department of Education's Perspective of Postsecondary Technical Training Needs" (Brand); and "The Tech Prep/Associate Degree Program" (Parnell). (JOW)