Occupational and Adult Education: Major Thrusts for 1973 and Beyond.

Overview & Synopsis

This paper contains a discussion of the activities of the Deputy Commissioner of Occupational and Adult Education in the U.S. Office of Education, perceptions of some trends in vocational education and the role of advisory committees, and the relationship between career education and vocational education. A major responsibility of the deputyship is carrying out the promotion and implementation of the career education concept. However, this does not imply that career education and vocational education are considered synonymous in the Office of Education, for they are not. Vocational education is one necessary component. In carrying out the promotion and implementation activities, several trends will be noted concerning vocational education, including: (1) determination of acceptable levels of performance, (2) development of procedures for determining costs, (3) assumption of placement responsibilities, and (4) more realistic and scientific long range planning. Lay advisory committees play a role in the accountability process, particularly program evaluation, but their effectiveness needs to be strengthened. (SB)