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)

Describes vocational education in the Soviet Union. Goals are accomplished by such methods as a standard national curriculum, including sophisticated polytechnical programs, by a system of school-supported youth programs that promote patriotism and group loyalty, and by a media campaign emphasizing the importance of the worker. (Author/JOW)

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)

The Reagan administration's spokesman for vocational education responds to questions from the American Vocational Association on the following: (1) the level of federal support to assist states and local communities, (2) the continuing federal role regarding the nation's program of vocational and technical education, and (3) how legislation should…

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)

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)

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)

Public and private training providers deliver efficient training somewhere, but no single provider does it everywhere. While this flexibility is an advantage, the system could be improved by giving individuals and employers the means--cash grants, tax subsidies, or loans--to choose among available offerings. (SK)

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)

Reviews developments in health care and suggests strategies for preparing students to incorporate some previews of the 1980s into their career and vocational decisions. (LRA)

The author states that the task of overcoming skill shortages, retooling the workforce and training new workers will be difficult and expensive, but it must be done, and done quickly. A chart listing projected demands for skilled workers by 1987 is included. (CT)

The state of the economy, dramatic shifts in population, and changing federalism will all shape the large issues of the 1980s. These issues will be a major force affecting the renewal of the Vocational Education Act. (LRA)

The author explains that by recruiting and training females for nontraditional occupations, we can double the skilled workforce in worker-short occupations. She discusses recruitment techniques, teacher liaison with employers, workshops, support group meetings, and contacts with role models. Action needed at the federal, state, and school levels…