The first three steps to developing a program that is both effective and efficient are participant selection, recruitment, and assignment. They require thinking about the populations to be targeted, considering how to open the door to the population and how to get the population in the door, and determining the services that are needed. The Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) serves many in need but the percentages are often lower than those reflected in the eligible national population. Identifying the local populations of need is important and one of the choices that JTPA allows. Four major components for effective recruitment are (1) how well the range of programs and services meet participant needs; (2) the financial and psychological price participants pay to participate; (3) time and location services are available; and (4) the effectiveness of promotion. Programs should also look at what motivates the individual. The assignment decision is a multistep process. It begins with assessment and continues with the development of an employability development plan, training outlines for on-the-job training contracts and classroom training, and ongoing assessment of participants to identify success and other needs. (The final section is a directors' dialog that focuses on programs for special groups. Appendixes include descriptions of tests used by JTPA and the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) program and sample assessment rating sheets and other participant information sheets.) (YLB)