Applications of the qualitative approach in the evaluation of special education and second language programs are addressed in this paper. Qualitative data are recommended for providing detailed descriptions of specific program elements, and can be obtained through interviews, observations, case studies, and ethnographic studies. Six evaluation studies carried out in the San Diego (California) Public Schools which illustrate the successful use of qualitative evaluation methods are described. The examples include: (1) observation used to confirm whether certain program elements were implemented; (2) an ethnographic study used to identify common features of effective special education classrooms; (3) seven student case studies developed to describe in depth the characteristics of program participants; (4) open-ended interviews used as a preliminary step in developing a needs assessment; and (5) observations and interviews used to investigate discrepant quantitative data and findings. (Author/GDC)