The way resources are deployed to educate Americans will affect, as never before, productivity, the economy, and the quality of life. To maintain the present standard of living, Americans will be dependent on a continuous infusion of scientific breakthroughs and productivity-enhancing technology. Periodic upgrading of skills will be a necessity for more and more workers. Of the three types of post-high school education--liberal, professional, and vocational--the most pressing need exists for more vocational education leading directly to employment opportunities. Unemployment figures show that many Americans need and wish to be taught how to earn their living in a more technological and changing world. Retraining obsolete workers is a subsection in vocational education that requires more attention. Economic necessity and individual motivation will encourage more women to return to school to prepare for more challenging, higher salaried ppositions. Although jobs in the service sector are expanding, long-term economic growth and vitality will only be possible if Americans work to maintain their advantage over the global competition in expertise. American workers will have to be better educated and trained. Increased investments in vocational education as well as professional education can help to accomplish this, especially if American industry plays a more actively supportive role in the educational system. (Questions and answers are appended.) (YLB)