This publication contains texts of papers presented at the National Research Coordinating Units Directors' Conference, which was attended by 65 participants representing Research Coordinating Units (RCU), state and federal education departments, universities, and other organizations. Presentations were: (1) "New Vistas in Research," by M. Essex which points out research developments and needs in vocational technical education, (2) "The Support Role of the RCU," by J. Moss, Jr. which emphasizes the RCU functions of research, development, and dissemination in supporting vocational education, (3) "RCU's: A Basis for Reassessment," by G. Swanson which discusses principles that can serve as a basis for RCU evaluation, (4) "Education Professions Development Act: Its Purposes, Process, and Needs," by C.H. Buzzell which provides insights into vocational education needs that assist in designing RCU support strategies, (5) "Methodology of Curriculum Development: Technical Education Research Center Electromechanical Project," by D.S. Phillips which reports a research and development project, and (6) "The Research Implications of Vocational Education for the Handicapped," by J.E. Williams which describes the role of RCU's in vocational education research for the handicapped. (SB)