Administrative techniques for improving and strengthening teacher education programs are presented. (JD)

Presents an overview of the information available on Black women in the criminal justice system, highlights their statistical profile at several stages in the system, their unique problems, and future directions for research, programs, and policies. (Author/JCD)

Vocational education services are not used by Black Americans because these services are still perceived by the Black population as representing education for people who cannot achieve in other areas. Vocational educators have shown a lack of concern for altering this image among Blacks. (LRA)

Three factors that contribute to the relevancy of vocational agriculture programs are modern agriculture curricula, fully developed programs, and competent personnel. (LRA)

Reviews biological and social factors leading to earlier sexual development among today's children. Suggests topics which should be included in an improved school sex education program. (SJL)

The use of evaluations for policy and program development and change is critically reviewed. Existing conceptions of utilization are discussed and improvements in the methods of detecting use are suggested. Five clusters of variables affecting utilization are described and hypotheses about the reasons for their effects are outlined. (Author/AL)

Recognizes that the need for vocational education improvement was partially satisfied through legislative mandate. Suggests that states should be given more authority to determine how goals, objectives, and activities will be accomplished. (JOW)

Sound approaches to needs assessment can assist practitioners in using resources effectively to improve program decision making. An analysis of uses of the term needs assessment provides the basis for discussing purposes and strategies. Following a critique of major approaches, practical suggestions are offered for conducting needs assessment…

This study focused on determining the applicability of a mathematical modeling technique (goal programing) to state-level vocational education planning, using Missouri as a test case. Results indicate that such models may help the vocational planner solve problems that cannot be solved by more conventional methods. (SK)

Discusses four aspects of strengthening and maintaining existing programs: (1) systematic assessment of existing programs; (2) decisions emerging from this assessment; (3) the complementary roles of program directors and other staff members; and (4) methods for making positive program improvements. (Author)

Three attempts to improve the state approval process in accreditation are described, and their implications for improving the process are discussed. (JD)

Discusses standards and methods for evaluating graduate programs in speech communication, with emphasis on doctoral programs. Includes a discussion of characteristics of program quality and suggestions for internal and external review. (JMF)

Vocational Rehabilitation in Guam has had its problems keeping its public aware of its services and willing to use them. Describes its efforts to change that situation in favor of positive feelings about accepting services. (RK)

Various program activities are described which the State of Michigan requires its local education agencies to be involved in as the basis for making program adjustments that would improve program quality, e.g., occupational advisory committees, placement services, followup studies, performance based education, and annual and long-range planning.…

Findings from research are cited to document the rates of participation in adult education by age, the main obstacles to growth of educational programs for older adults, and the needs of older adults. Various arguments are advanced in behalf of a strengthened program for the education of older adults. (JT)