In an effort to support the public schools' initiatives to develop effective schools for all students, particularly those who are work bound, the College of Education at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University instituted a graduate program aimed at preparing collaborative instructional leaders. The major goal of the program was to develop a team of instructional leaders from academic, vocational, and special needs subject areas that would collaborate in new approaches to teaching and learning for workbound students in their schools. A group of four faculty representing the areas of secondary, special needs, vocational education, and school leadership formed a cooperative partnership in Fall 1995 to plan and deliver the program. A Master's program was developed that would be delivered off campus. A common curriculum with flexibility to pursue either a Master's degree in curriculum and instruction or vocational and technical education was prepared. The proposed program was shared with the superintendents of schools and their staff responsible for the academic, vocational, and special needs programs in the local school division. A group of 46 teachers representing 8 local school districts were chosen to participate. The first phase of the program was aimed at building collaborative team skills and a knowledge base about work force preparation programs, academic course content, and educating special and diversified student populations. Two additional phases were planned. (YLB)