17424. HISTORY & EVOLUTION OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION. This paper provides an overview and analysis of the history and evolution of vocational education in the United States. The social, economic, political and educational influences leading to the passage of the 1917 Smith-Hughes Vocational Education Act are discussed. The paper identifies the major educational theorists and outlines the ideas that shaped the development of vocational education. The evolution of vocational education through the 20th century and into this century is traced. The paper looks at how vocational educational programs and their underlying philosophies have changed to meet new social, economic, and technological demands. KEYWORDS: vocational education tech-prep educational reform Perkins Act. Written 2004. 11 pages, 31 footnotes, 17 bibliographic sources. 2,882 words.