The Vocational Education Amendments of 1968 have the potential for a major breakthrough in all education, vocational and otherwise. The Vocational Education Act of 1963 established broadened objectives and enlarged appropriations but did not tie funds to performance. Lacking that tie, no effective leverage existed to entice federal, state and local vocational educators from the orientation of 1917 to that needed by an advanced technical society. The 1968 act did more than relate appropriations to objectives. It expanded the definition of vocational education and removed some of the narrowing structures which had sharply differentiated vocational from academic education. It insisted upon comprehensive state planning and sought to strengthen the federal leadership role through national and state advisory councils with independent staffs, budgets and authority. Though there are pitfalls in the act's interpretation and administration, it represents a major contribution toward preparing people for employment and substantial leverage toward achieving new objectives. A discussion of the 1968 Report of the Advisory Council on Vocational Education serves as a basis for evaluating the potential of the various thrusts of the 1968 amendments. (DM)