SkyBirdy: Did you get an answer to your question yet? I didn't see one posted to the list; so here goes: NYSED (New York State Education Dept) consists of six major program areas. One of these is the Office of Cultural Education (OCE). OCE consists of the State Archives, the State Library and the State Museum. There may be some other offices as well, but I believe these are the major pieces. The other five areas of NYSED consist of VESID (Vocational Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities), Office of Higher Education (not to be confused with HESC (Higher Educational Services Corp) who handle TAP awards. They are NOT a part of the Education Dept), OHE handles (re) certification of teachers as part of their work, as well as program curricula, I believe. EMSC (Elementary, Middle, Secondary and Continuing Education), self-explanatory?? Office of the Professions (They test, check qualifications, recertify individuals in 38 professions; for instance nurses, chiropractors, pharmacists, etc) and last but not least, where I work is known as the Office of Management Services (OMS), the central administration of the Dept. (HR, Payroll, Bldg Maintenance, and ITS (Information Technology Services) etc. ) This is probably more than you were looking for, but outlines the entire Dept for you. (If I've omitted any particular area and offended anyone on this list, I apologize. It was not intentional. Any corrections?) kc.