A French Approach to Career Education. Recent Educational Policy and Legislative Developments Abroad.

In 1971, the French National Assembly adopted new legislation on Technological and continuing education which attempts to bridge the widening gap between classroom and career by extending effective career education to greater members of French citizens. To interest students in technological and vocational education and to dispel the prejudices against it, the new law provides for better dissemination of information about careers in industry, technology, and the crafts. Other provisions of the law: (1) require that equivalencies be established between diplomas in general academic courses and those in programs of technological and vocational education, (2) state that all teachers of general academic subjects are to enjoy the same professional status whether they teach in academic high schools or technical schools, (3) provide for skilled workers and technicians to receive teaching leave during which they may give courses of instruction, (4) define the role of apprenticeships, (5) provide for career education programs to be offered in two phases--one before students complete formal education and one on a periodic basis after students leave school, and (6) require that industry share a part of the costs of providing programs of continuing professional education. Following the discussion of the legislation are suggested research areas which may be of interest to American educators. (SB)