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…

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 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 describes how vocational educators, with the support of the federal government, have adapted a highly successful job-training program to meet the specific high technology training needs of Illinois firms. The importance of education/business cooperation and of the federal government's role are stressed. (CT)