Four essays are designed to provide perspective and dimension to the Stout Data Analysis and to the Business and Education Survey. The essayists who interpret the Stout and survey data represent the viewpoints of (1) business (David Horn), (2) a researcher in vocational education (Orville Nelson), (3) a vocational educator (Albert Pitts), and (4) labor (Daniel J. Van Lanen). Each interpretive essay is divided into four sections. Section I is an interpretation of the Stout Data Analysis that describes what secondary schools have been doing to prepare young people for the world of work. This section describes the range and quality of the preparation of students for work as well as employer judgments and satisfaction and the ability of students to acquire and keep employment. Section II is an interpretation of the data from the Business and Education Survey mailed to approximately 2,500 businesses in Wisconsin in fall 1982. This section includes employer perceptions of the preparation of students for work and the future needs of business and industry. Section III is a summary of the Stout Data Analysis and the Business and Education Survey and a comparison of the data from the two sources. Conclusions based on these data are presented. Section IV is a look into the future and at the changes needed in secondary education and vocational education programs to meet the needs of youth, business, and Wisconsin's economy in 1990 and 2000. (YLB)