This report describes the development of a needs assessment instrument designed to identify competencies necessary for vocational educators to successfully teach and work with disadvantaged students. The first part of the report summarizes a review of literature. Eleven studies are presented and referenced for further study. The second part of the report describes the activities of an advisory committee composed of 11 leaders from the State of Florida in the fields of special needs and vocational education. The development and refining processes involved in the needs assessment instrument are discussed. The field-test version of the instrument was distributed to 250 vocational classroom instructors (75%) and vocational program administrators (25%). A 62% rate of return was received, and the results were used to develop the final version of the training needs assessment instrument which is now available through the State of Florida. In the final needs assessment instrument 38 competencies (performance indicators) are arranged under six classifications headings: (1) program management, (2) curriculum modification, (3) classroom/laboratory management, (4) coordination with others, (5) remediation, and (6) classroom counseling. (PN)