This report on the feasibility of the placement rate concept contains a body of knowledge about the limitations and uses of the placement rate concept for comparing and assessing vocational and job training programs offered by different program providers in California. The report is divided into three parts. Part I, the executive summary, is intended to stand alone in presenting major research questions, key findings and conclusions, and recommendations. Four figures are presented in part I. These figures explain (1) the definitional and operational limitations of the placement rate concept as a means of comparing program performance; (2) the technical limits of state-level data systems as a means of comparing placement rates among the seven program providers included in this study; (3) six components of a comprehensive student followup system; and (4) a conceptual model for viewing three types of student impacts and program outcomes of vocational education and job training programs. Part II of the report contains technical information, organized in four sections. The first section explains the project objectives, procedures, and major findings. The second section deals with the four criteria used to determine the feasibility of the placement rate concept, while the third section contains major findings and conclusions related to the criteria. The final section explores uses of and alternatives to the placement rate concept for program planning and evaluation. Part III of the report contains appendix materials, including names of those interviewed, the survey instrument, and a glossary. (KC)