This publication presents a data collection system useful in measuring the success of vocational programs for special needs populations as well as current descriptive/demographic information on special needs populations nationwide. The first of four chapters provides a general characterization of special populations and specific definitions for each subgroup commonly designated as a special needs population. U.S. Office of Education data (1976), discussed in chapter 2, give an indication of the responsiveness of vocational education programs to the needs of special groups nationwide. Chapter 2 also discusses some of the problems of collecting and analyzing data about special needs group. Each profile is followed by a summary of pertinent literature on the needs of that special population in vocational education programs. The final chapter explores data needs for effective program planning and describes an exemplary data collection system. (LRA)