A study examined existing perceptions of the effectiveness of vocational education in Michigan. Researchers sought the opinions of 1,879 educators (including teachers, administrators, counselors, admissions representatives, and public relations professionals) connected with vocational education; 1,099 nonvocational educators; 745 parents; 1,030 students and graduates; and 5,050 business representatives. Responses were received from 535 vocational and 225 nonvocational educators, 56 parents, 218 students and graduates, and 298 business representatives. The respondents generally felt that vocational education in Michigan offers a good program to train young people in a wide variety of skills necessary for at least an entry-level job. They did, however, have some concerns about the program's ability to provide long-term career skills and the effect that enrollment in vocational education might have on students' chances of being admitted to college. Most respondents did not believe that the majority of students use vocational education principally as a means of having an easier academic program. Business representatives, counselors, and nonvocational educators had more reservations about vocational education than did students. Parents, counselors, and vocational students were the primary persons influencing students' decisions to enroll in vocational education, and the respondents generally agreed that counselors, teachers, and brochures are the best sources of information about vocational education. (MN)