The issue of developing a new framework of industry programs for vocational education in the United States was examined in a study of the current status of programmatic structures nationally and among the 50 states. The following are among the topics that were explored: (1) the rationale for a new programmatic framework in the context of changing economic and technological conditions; (2) emerging strategies for improving secondary and postsecondary education; and (3) alternative approaches to defining industry, career, and occupational clusters (taxonomies in use in Sweden and New Zealand; curricular divisions and taxonomies developed by the American Vocational Association and the National Skill Standards Board; frameworks in use in Oregon and Maryland). At least seven major industry clusters common to national and state initiatives were identified. It was recommended that the clusters be incorporated into a flexible framework for communicating the overall mission and scope of career and technical education in the United States and providing guidance for curriculum development and improvement. The study concluded that whatever framework finally emerges, it should address students' long-term employment prospects, encourage high levels of academic proficiency and mastery of sophisticated work-based knowledge and skill, and preserve the full range of postsecondary options for program participants. (MN)