New Initiatives in Vocational Education. A Progress Report on the Implementation of "Education for the World of Work in the State of Maine" and "Career and Occupational Education in Maine for the 'Third American Century.'"

Overview & Synopsis

This 2-year status report focuses on the implementation in Maine of the recommendations of two reports--the report of the Commissioner's Task Force to Study Secondary Vocational Education in Maine and Commissioner Eve Bither's response to the report. New initiatives, now being implemented at many sites throughout the state, are designed to enhance the learning opportunities of all Maine residents who can benefit from education for the world of work. Some of the new initiatives include the following: (1) a comprehensive and integrated program of education for the world of work (a new planning and evaluation process, cluster programing, secondary/postsecondary articulation, core preemployment competencies, integrated studies, competency-based curriculum, new standards of program quality, vocational guidance, and human resource development collaboration); (2) a comprehensive kindergarten-adult career information and exploration program (K-6 career awareness infusion program, middle-school career exploration program with individualized education plans, consumer and home economics education and technology education, a statewide school-to-work transition program, and adult career information and assessment); and (3) increased access to vocational, technical, and career education services. Highlights of the task force recommendations are included in this report. (KC)