The Technical Assistance for Special Populations Program of the National Center for Research in Vocational Education (University of Illinois site) undertook a national survey of professionals in vocational education for special needs students to determine how they identify effective programs. Of 500 questionnaires distributed, 366 were returned. Respondents hold a variety of positions in diverse educational settings, most at the secondary level. The primary group of special needs students served were those with disabilities, but also included disadvantaged, dropouts, single and teen parents, limited-English-proficient individuals and immigrants, nontraditional students, displaced homemakers, dislocated workers, and prisoners and offenders. Respondents rank-ordered five elements of outcome-related evidence believed to be most credible in judging program effectiveness. Based on this information, 19 components of exemplary programs were categorized as concerning program administration, curriculum instruction, comprehensive support services, formalized articulation and communication, or occupational experience. These factors will be used in a national search for exemplary programs, and are currently being pilot-tested at six sites. (MSE) (Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse on Literacy Education)