Federal support for research in vocational education dates from the Smith-Hughes Act of 1917. However, only one substantial study of vocational education research has been undertaken. In 1974, the National Academy of Sciences-National Research Council was awarded funds from the Bureau of Occupational and Adult Education for a two-year examination of federally supported vocational education research undertaken during the preceding decade. An eleven-member Committee on Vocational Education Research and Development (COVERD) was chosen to provide policy guidance for the study. The conclusions and recommendations of the COVERD study fell into two groups: assessment of the administration of the research and development program and assessment of the products of vocational education research and development. In assessing products, COVERD concluded that vocational education research has (1) added to the body of knowledge about vocational education and its students, (2) has produced new programs and classroom techniques, and (3) has developed many curriculum materials which have been purchased by large numbers of people. Recommendations resulting from the COVERD report appear to have been a catalyst for change in the vocational education research and development process. Some changes, however, clearly went too far, and several changes which COVERD recommended have not been implemented. (LRA)