A study was conducted to determine the organizational structure and tasks of the research, planning, and development (RPD) units within each of the 16 districts of the Wisconsin Vocational, Technical, and Adult Education (VTAE) System. For purposes of comparison, data were also collected from non-Wisconsin community colleges and technical institutes offering similar occupational programs. The study sought specifically to determine the extent to which RPD tasks are performed by discrete RPD units or by other personnel throughout the institution; the institutional level at which RPD tasks are performed; the types of RPD tasks performed by personnel in VTAE districts compared with the tasks of personnel in non-Wisconsin districts; and the types of RPD tasks performed by RPD personnel in VTAE districts compared with the tasks of RPD personnel in non-Wisconsin districts. A survey questionnaire was mailed to all of the Wisconsin VTAE districts, and to 10% of the non-Wisconsin districts selected at random. All 16 Wisconsin VTAE districts responded, along with 41 (67.5%) of the 65 non-Wisconsin institutions surveyed for a total response rate of 70%. Study findings included the following: (1) 63% of Wisconsin VTAE districts and 37% of the non-Wisconsin districts had one unit responsible for all three RPD functions; (2) for Wisconsin districts more RPD functions were administered at the first level below the chief executive officer (CEO), while for non-Wisconsin districts more were administered at the second level below the CEO; and (3) more RPD tasks were performed by RPD staff at Wisconsin districts than at non-Wisconsin districts. The survey instrument and a literature review are included in the study report. (PAA)