An Assessment of the Governance and Administration of Vocational-Technical Education in Utah.

Overview & Synopsis

A study assessed the governance and administration of vocational and technical education in Utah. To gather data for the study, a team of four vocational educators experienced in vocational governance and administration spent one week in Utah. During that time, the members of the team attended a presentation of testimony on governance before a combined meeting of the joint legislative committee on vocational education and the Utah State Board for Vocational Education. In addition, they reviewed the administration of vocational education in the state through interviews with state and local vocational administrators and educators. Based on data obtained from these two sources, the research team identified three major concerns common to several groups and many individuals in Utah. These concerns centered on: elective versus appointive boards, a third board for vocational education, and placement as a program standard. In view of the on-going conflict between agency boards over who will control vocational education in Utah, the research team recommended that the Utah State Legislature and those responsible for the development of vocational education in the state establish a set of short- and long-term goals for vocational education and then form a governance committee incorporating as many as possible of the principles of effective governance. (MN)