Pretests and dictation achievement tests were administered to 1,317 first-year shorthand students and 120 second-year students learning Century 21, Forkner, or Gregg shorthand in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area high schools. Forkner shorthand students achieved a higher accuracy and transcription rate during the first year of instruction. Thus, it is suggested that this is the preferred method of instruction for students who are able to devote one year or less to shorthand instruction. However, by the end of the second year Gregg shorthand students had higher accuracy scores and better English error scores, suggesting that this is the preferred method for students who are able to take two years of shorthand instruction. None of the three shorthand systems included in this project resulted in first-year shorthand achievement at vocational skill levels, assuming that mailable letters from dictation at 80 words per minute represents minimum vocational skill. (Complete data tables are included.) (BB)