These proceedings of a conference for state directors of vocational education on the topic of charting a course of excellence for vocational education in the 1980s consist of the texts of 13 conference papers, the conference agenda, and a listing of program presentations and participants. Topics of the first group of papers, which all revolve around the theme of a context for thinking about the future, are the economic outlook for education in the 1980s; the dynamics of the eighties; the future and educational governance; federal, state, and local linkages and the delivery of vocational education; the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act connection; and a spontaneous analysis of the implication of youth employment legislation for vocational education. Provided in the second group of papers are updates for future directions, steps in building a vocational education research and development system, an update of the National Institute of Education evaluation study of vocational education, the plan of action of the Bureau of Occupational and Adult Education, and a review of pertinent federal legislation. A discussion of the charge and challenge for vocational education concludes the conference papers. (MN)