Issues in Vocational Education.

Overview & Synopsis

The vocational education programs in the 14 Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) member states were examined in order to obtain an overview of the objectives of vocational education and the coordination of vocational programs between secondary and postsecondary institutions in those states. It was determined that 3.5 million high school students in the SREB region were enrolled in vocational education programs in 1980-81. While the fundamental purpose of vocational education, at least from the federal perspective, is to prepare individuals for gainful employment, many SREB member states have developed their own philosophies and directions for vocational education. Thus, the policies of different states reflect varying degrees of concern for basic skills preparation, occupationally specific training, on-the-job and cooperative training programs, and exploratory or prevocational education. To maximize the efficient delivery of occupational training, educational policymakers and planners in SREB member states must coordinate the activities of the secondary and postsecondary sectors. The development of adequate coordination among secondary and postsecondary institutions in any one area requires that planners define articulation issues, reassess the relevancy of program offerings to market needs, and address the issues of program capacity and governance. (MN)