A Study of Curriculum and Program Planning for Vocational-Technical Education in Massachusetts.

Overview & Synopsis

A study reviewed the curriculum and program development for vocational-technical education in Massachusetts. Data for analysis were gathered by the Division of Occupational Education, Massachusetts Department of Education, from division research, third-party evaluations of vocational-technical education, and reports from other state agencies, as well as from several recent national research reports. Programs were evaluated in the curriculum areas for 76 occupations, as well as postsecondary programs, with enrollment statistics provided for each. The research also reviewed curriculum development and improvement efforts, such as the Massachusetts Vocational Resource Center, applied learning programs, competency-based vocational education, technical committees, and program and general advisory committees. Recommendations were made for further development of programs to serve a wide variety of populations and needs. (Extensive appendixes, making up more than half of the report, include Chapter 74 enrollments for 1987, V-TECS products, competency-based vocational education products, and excerpts from the state plan for vocational education.) (KC)