This document contains the results of qualitative case studies conducted on state and local implementation of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act of 1984. The case studies were conducted in three communities in each of nine states. The first of the report's six chapters gives an overview of vocational education and the role of the federal government. The purposes of the study are also described in this chapter. Chapter 2 gives a more detailed description of vocational education, focusing on the role of the state and of local urban, rural, and suburban communities. Chapter 3 describes state initiatives, access of institutions to Perkins funds, funds for special populations and program improvement, state action on specialized provisions, intergovernmental relations, and the influence of state policy on local practice. Chapter 4 addresses the funding of vocational education for special populations in both secondary and postsecondary education. Among the topics covered is factors that affect access of special populations to institutions offering vocational education. Chapter 5 describes program improvement and change in vocational education. Chapter 6 offers conclusions and implications regarding the legislation and special populations, program improvement, special Perkins issues, and the state role in the administration of the Perkins Act. An appendix contains methodological information regarding the study, including information on sampling, respondents, data collection, and data analysis procedures. (CML)