The U.S. Department of Education has undertaken a number of activities to implement the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act. Four regional meetings have been held to elicit opinions on regulatory issues. Four broad areas have been discussed: standards and measures, assessment and evaluations; state administration and leadership; use of funds and allocations among eligible recipients; and special populations. Several preliminary issues have been identified from these meetings that may be discussed during negotiated rulemaking in Washington, D.C. To assist the states in understanding provisions of the 1990 Amendments, the Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE) has requested, received, and posted responses to questions from the field regarding the law via ADVOCNEWS, an electronic bulletin board. OVAE is also holding four state plan implementation meetings, which provide technical assistance to help state administrators as they develop their plans; has developed a draft State Plan Guide; and is developing performance report requirements. Some of the themes of the new legislation are accountability for program quality and student achievement; emphasis on the needs of special populations; the Tech Prep program; integration of academics and vocational curriculum; and the involvement of business in education. (YLB)