A 4-phase study was conducted to provide an objective third-party assessment of the effectiveness of research and development (R. & D.) projects supported by the Research and Development Unit (RDU) of the Illinois Division of Vocational and Technical Education. Activities during the four phases consisted of: (1) a preliminary review to obtain descriptive information on more than 50 completed projects supported by the RDU since 1966, (2) development of a questionnaire based on findings from the preliminary review and designed to obtain information on project activities, (3) dissemination of the questionnaire to 121 known R & D project directors and on-site visits and interviews with 13 selected sample projects, and (4) data analysis, with particular attention paid to the effectiveness of the organizational and human relationships established with recipients of financial support by the RDU. Some conclusions were: (1) The greatest impact of R & D seems to be at the local level where schools, school districts, colleges and universities have become involved in the research process, (2) Little action has been taken to assist participating institutions prepare for and implement needed change, and (3) New research priorities suggest increased emphasis is being placed on career education, developing occupational programs for new and emerging technologies, and innovative techniques and delivery systems for occupational education. (SB)