This project was conducted for the following purposes: (1) to research current literature and the automatic data processing industry to determine needs in the field of data processing; (2) to assess the need for professional development of secondary vocational data processing instructors, and (3) to validate occupational competencies to be acquired by students completing secondary vocational data processing programs. Through a review of literature, procedures were developed for establishing a project advisory committee, conducting an instructors' needs assessment, preparing a list of validated competencies for a curriculum in data processing, preparing and submitting reports, maintaining communication and coordination, and evaluating the project. Following the literature review, a description of activities needed to achieve tasks was drawn up, a management plan and timeline were created, and external communications and coordination were established. As a result of the project, the following products were developed: a list of validated competencies for developing a data processing curriculum; a list of professional development needs of instructors; a state-of-the-art paper that identified needs of business and industry in data processing and suggested ways for modifying materials for use with handicapped students and students with limited English, promoting equal access to education, and computer applications; quarterly reports; and this final report. (Half of the document consists of these project products.) (KC)