The author provides a legal analysis of the statutory requirements of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act that govern the use of funds for "vocational education program improvement, innovation, and expansion." He discusses the legislative history of using these funds for ongoing program maintenance. (CH)

Describes a statewide image survey conducted in Kentucky to determine how people view vocational education. (JOW)

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)

Describes a project of the National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee (NOICC) to develop standards for career guidance practitioners and programs. Phases include (1) development of guidelines, (2) development of a handbook helping districts to implement and evaluate programs, and (3) funding of four demonstration models. (CH)

The Perkins Act greatly expands the tasks of state councils on vocational education. Their duties encompass three policy objectives: achieving public involvement in vocational education, providing independent assessment of vocational programs, and improving vocational education policies and the policymaking process. (SK)

The Perkins Act charges the National Council on Vocational Education with advising the president, Congress, and the secretary of education on the implementation of the Perkins and the Job Training Partnership Acts, strategies for business cooperation with vocational education, effective ways of providing labor market information, special needs…

Reviews program improvements that have been accomplished at Greenville Technical College (South Carolina) due to the leadership and commitment of its advisory committee. (SK)

The author discusses his success at obtaining funds to improve his vocational agriculture program in a small school district. He covers such topics as (1) local sources of funding, (2) outside sources, (3) proposal writing, and (4) costs and benefits. (CH)

When Broward County Schools (Florida) needed to revamp its electronics program to meet the needs of industry, its advisory committee actively participated in improving the program and forging effective school-business partnerships. (SK)

The effectiveness of the industry-specific training programs offered by Kingsport City Schools (Tennessee) has helped revamp the secondary vocational program. As in industry, the focus is on core and specialty courses of shorter duration and in one-hour time blocks. (SK)

The introduction of the German-style dual apprenticeship system into the United States will mean part-time vocational schools teaching academics and vocational skills combined with on-the-job training at local companies. (Author)

Describes the work of the National Council for Vocational and Technical Education in Agriculture--a national partnership organized to foster creative and innovative leadership for improving and developing agricultural education as part of public education. Examines the major issues that the council is currently addressing. (CT)

The author suggests new ways to meet the needs of adult students: develop greater sensitivity to the adult learner's needs; adopt a "total program approach" to adult vocational education; develop creative delivery systems; build alliances with other providers of adult education; and give more attention to adult instructor selection, orientation,…

Discusses the problems of disadvantaged youth and presents suggestions for solving them, including offering prevocational and career exploration experiences in grades 7-9, identification of student skills and abilities in these grades, expanded social and family counseling, vocational and academic educator cooperation in improving students' basic…