ATLANTA, GA--The system used by the Education Department to determine state compliance with federal regulations governing vocational education--Management Evaluation Review for Compliance/Quality (merc\q)-- is being terminated, according to Robert M. Worthington, assistant secretery for vocational and adult education.
Instead of providing “proof of compliance” for some 150 items under merc\q, state officials will only be required to demonstrate compliance with “40-50 items that have caused trouble in the past,” according to Mr. Worthington. The completed “self-assessment form will then be returned to the Education Department.
Based on the state’s self-assessment form, Mr. Worthington said, federal officials will develop a compliance report identifying items still needing clarification.
Mr. Worthington’s announcement, made in a speech Dec. 4 during the American Vocational Association convention was applauded by some members of the National Association of State Directors of Vocational Education.
