minister vocational programs may be sound for purposes of administration and accountability of secondary programs. In fact, however, most state agencies with responsibility for vocational programs do not share responsibility for postsecondary education. We strongly believe that planning for postsecondary occupational programs should be conducted separately or in isolation from planning for the entire range of postsecondary programs and institutions. It is particularly important for this planning to take into account the broadening occuptional needs and interests of postsecondary students seeking to enlarge their employment opportunities. Therefore we suggest that the present requirement for a sole state administering agency be amended to require appropriate participation of agencies having responsibility for postsecondary education in the planning and approval of postsecondary occupational programs. 3. Further steps are needed to overcome sex bias in vocational education. Vocational programs at all levels have been seriously deficient in the provision of equal opportunities to women. To assure that such opportunities are available, the legislation should be amended to include (a) an explicit statement of purpose to overcome sex bias in vocational education, (b) a requirement that state plans identify steps being taken to overcome sex bias in vocational programs, (c) a priority in research and exemplary vocational programs for studies to determine methods to overcome sex bias, and (d) a stated responsibility of the National and State Advisory Councils to examine problems of sex bias in vocational programs, and to include adequate representation of women in their membership. We appreciate this opportunity to present the views of the American Council on Education, representing some 179 national and regional associations and 1,386 institutions of higher education throughout the United States. Sincerely, CHARLES B. SAUNDERS, Jr., Director. [Whereupon, at 11:18 a.m. the subcommittee adjourned, to reconvene at the call of the Chair.] |