This Region V conference called by the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare, brought together 249 participants from six midwestern states to discuss how career education of youth and adults and the needs of the economy are being met, to determine the role of vocational education in the process, and to identify methods of redirecting education in the 1970's so that secondary students will be prepared for immediate employment or further education. The general consensus of the 2-day conference was that the present total educational system is inadequate but that vocational education has generally provided relevant and useful services for its students. The prepared career education concept was accepted with these reservations: (1) that elementary school children not be programed along specific occupational lines, (2) that content of specific vocational education not be "watered down," (3) that completion standards for school-industry programs be jointly established, (4) that career education not be dominated by general education or similar philosophies, and (5) that vocational educators participate in policy formation, program development, and implementation. Other regional conference reports are available as VT 013 385-013 387, VT 014 205-014 210, and VT 014 228 in this issue. (SB)