Examines the role of vocational education in providing training for special population groups and the role of federal legislation which mandates vocational education to provide equal training to these groups. Suggests that vocational educators can work in cooperation with other agencies to serve special needs groups. (LRA)

Reviews three roles of the federal government that are accepted as essential tasks of federal leadership: (1) leadership in the process of democratization, (2) employment, and (3) readiness to rely on vocational education in periods of emergency. Suggests improving vocational education by rethinking the federal role. (LRA)

To improve America's economic outlook, positive action must be taken to lay the groundwork for a sustained increase in the rate of productivity. It is helpful to compare training methods, particularly apprenticeship, to those of West Germany, which has consistently maintained high production levels. (JOW)

Reviews vocational education's role in private-sector retraining programs, reducing unemployment, attracting new industries, and developing human resources. Briefly discusses recent federal initiatives toward economic development and their relationship to vocational education. (LRA)

The effectiveness with which vocational education programs respond to the objectives set for them will ultimately be determined by the adequacy of vocational education funding. Present systems of vocational education financing (both federal and state) do not generally ensure the adequate funding of vocational education. (LRA)

Identifies issues that Congress and the general public will very likely be concerned with in considering future vocational education legislation and discusses issues the American Vocational Association basic state grant study team have identified within the basic state grant program. (LRA)