A New Vision for Vocational-Technical Education in Iowa. Final Recommendations of the Vocational-Technical Education Task Force.

Overview & Synopsis

In June 1991 the Iowa State Board of Education established a task force to conduct a comprehensive review of vocational-technical education in the state. The 10-member task force was asked to develop a vision for vocational-technical education in Iowa, including the roles and relationships between secondary and postsecondary education institutions, and to enhance the delivery of vocational education programs and services to students at both levels. The status of vocational education in grades K-12 and at community colleges and correctional facilities was reviewed. Funding, program delivery, the future workplace, and economic development were identified as major issues, and demographics, diversity in the work force, the economy, education reform, and technology were examined in the specific context of Iowa. After analyzing the changing world market and the resultant changing mission of vocational-technical education in Iowa, the task force members formulated a series of goals related to the following: quality, access, diversity, delivery, resources, image, career-focused education, and accountability. (The final recommendations summarize each of the goals and provide a rationale and strategies for achieving them. Contains 39 references.) (MN)