Preparing for Employment: A Planning Statement on Improving Vocational Education.

Overview & Synopsis

This planning statement on improving vocational education in Oregon high schools and community colleges is intended to guide schools in the further development and improvement of vocational education. Discussed in the first section are the concept of a comprehensive curriculum, the relationship of career and vocational education, and the broad goals of vocational education. Major Oregon State Board of Education policies for vocational education in community colleges and school districts are listed. The third section briefly discusses 10 long-range program goals in the following areas: access to vocational education; technical assistance to state, regional, and local instructional staff and support staff; instructional and support staff; identifying needs; research; developing and disseminating exemplary practices and procedures; vocational guidance; curriculum materials development; student evaluation; occupational requirements in the labor market; immediate and short-term training programs to meet the needs of business and industry; and adequate instructional facilities and equipment. Each of these goal areas is discussed in terms of current status, needs, objectives, and proposed actions. (MN)