A certificate of occupational competency is now given to vocational students in several Wisconsin high schools along with their grades. The certificate provides documented skill ratings for employers and other educators, and should be useful in articulation with postsecondary vocational schools. A sample certificate and rating form are shown. (MF)

The author reports on the efforts to put 4,000 microcomputers into the Broward County (Florida) Schools in a two-year period. He discusses choosing hardware, teacher training, integrating Florida high technology companies' employee requirements into the vocational curriculum, articulation at the secondary and postsecondary levels, equipment…

These five articles discuss the improvement of vocational education programs through the infusion of mathematics and science skills. They include an auto mechanics curriculum; an 11th-grade industrial maintenance program (orientation, electricity, plumbing); a combination automotive services-small business program; and two programs at one…

The article describes eight vocational student organizations and some of their activities in developing leadership and personal relations skills of their members in vocational agriculture, home economics, industrial, distributive, business, office, industrial arts, and health occupations education. Discusses organizations' needs; emphasizes the…

Describes a field-tested program for making students aware of and adept in skills that have brought success to business owners in their local community. Entrepreneurship education must be regarded as a complement to existing vocational and business education programs. (JOW)

The author discusses the necessity for energy conservation and source development, the provisions of the National Energy Act of 1978, and the area of energy-related vocational and technical training and employment. A list of educational programs and services from the United States Department of Energy is appended. (MF)

A checklist is presented for teachers to rate themselves on how well they are preparing their students for the 1990s and beyond. Questions concern technological changes in the workplace, community demographics, exposure of students to emerging equipment, changing work environment skills, future trends, and participation in professional and…

Briefly sketches responses of consumer and homemaking educators to the personal dilemmas caused by unemployment. Programs described range from skills development, employability enhancement, and career exploration, to stress management and therapeutic counseling. (SK)

Describes the Kentucky Staff/Industry Exchange Project designed to upgrade the knowledge and skills of vocational educators and industry personnel by exchanging jobs for a period of from one to four weeks. (CT)

The author provides an example of how an individualized competency-based skills training program available for secondary students of all abilities can assist those who intend to seek advanced placement in postsecondary training in vocational-technical education or college education. (CT)

Five community responses to unemployment are described: (1) retraining for California auto workers; (2) upgrading and retraining at Indian Meridian Vo-Tech, Oklahoma; (3) Greater Lowell Regional Vocational Technical School's high-tech training program; (4) metropolitan reemployment project, St Louis, Missouri; and (5) Trade Readjustment Act…

The growing shortage of skilled workers in industrial maintenance, the growing complexity of equipment, and the automation of production processes call for improved and increased employee training and retraining. A General Motors training supervisor notes how education and industry can cooperate to provide this education and training. (MF)

The 10 winners of the 1984 Secretary of Education's Awards for Outstanding Vocational Education Programs are listed. The article also describes the selection process, criteria used to select the awardees, and components of outstanding programs. Three winners of past years also are described. (CT)

Describes a computer interactive-video learning system that offers new trainees an opportunity to pace themselves through an open-entry, open-exit, competency-based program. Elements of the system, including a work station, study guide, individualized instruction, company response, and program benefits, are discussed. (CT)

Describes the Coordinated Vocational Academic Education in Office Duplication Practices program designed to keep disadvantaged students in school, provide them with entry-level skills, and supply them with confidence. Examines the problems these students face, type of student served, equipment needed, instructional areas, teacher training, and the…