Vocational education's commitment to student organizations stems from the belief that the total development of individuals is essential to the preparation of competent workers. It has been shown that student organization activities are effective in teaching critical skills necessary for students to reach their full potential. (JOW)

The revitalization of industry needs a substantial investment in work force training. Reauthorization of the 1976 Vocational Education Amendments should focus on how vocational education can meet the needs of students and of the economy. (JOW)

In addition to specific occupational skills, vocational students must learn how to interact effectively with people on the job. The author discusses how job tasks affect interaction patterns and how these interactions affect the work. (MF)

Because children reach developmental stages at different times and have different learning styles, some students need an alternative approach to academic classes such as that offered by vocational education. (SK)

The economic growth of developing countries is closely related to the quality of their systems for educating and training human resources. Effective vocational education and manpower training programs are critical to increasing the rate of economic development and standard of living in the developing world. (Author)

Vocational educators have finally realized that they can offer more to economic development and job creation activities than just training. At places where this realization has spurred action, building linkages and opening channels of communication, vocational programs are succeeding in their efforts to increase employment opportunities. (CT)

The author describes the five essential dimensions of professionalism and warns that each of the five must be present and interacting with the others in order for a field to qualify as a profession or for its practitioners to qualify as professionals. (CT)

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)

Describes the steps that should be incorporated into planning for inservice efforts with teachers of handicapped students and presents several models for presenting inservice training for teachers and school support personnel. (LRA)

South Carolina's technical education system (composed of 16 two-year technical colleges) has been a key factor in the state's economic development program through industry recruitment and training, industry and community involvement in program development, and continuing education programs. (LRA)

Vocational education should now enter the area of job creation. The author discusses urban renewal, economic decentralization, the "bootstrap" school, and part-time job creation. (MF)

Focusing on area vocational-technical schools, this article describes several successful vocational programs across the U.S. and explains their role in community improvement, economic development, adult education, and community activities. (LRA)

To meet the needs of the target market and provide excellence in education, curriculum revision must be ongoing. (JOW)

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 author suggests that the primary purpose of vocational education is to promote human development by exposing the learner to intrinsically meaningful activities. The criterion for evaluating vocational education from this perspective is the growth of students' personal qualities. (SK)