TECHNICAL TRAINING NEEDS

While Sikeston officials map out plans for a junior college, Missouri's higher education officials also are trying to meet demands for additional technical training.

Kala Stroup, who left her presidency at Southeast to become the state's top higher education official, says the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education is drafting a master plan with such needs in mind. Among other things, the master plan will focus on ways to improve telecommunications to allow universities to offer cooperative, off-campus classes to outlying areas of the state via interactive television.

To stay competitive in a worldwide market, Missouri industry needs a better-trained work force. Much of that training can be accomplished in two-year programs. Stroup hopes existing colleges and universities can expand their services to meet the need, without the state building new schools.

It remains to be seen whether the coordinating board will fully satisfy the need for better technical training or new junior colleges and vo-tech schools are needed. It is encouraging, though, that Missouri's institutions of higher education recognize and are taking steps to meet the challenge.