Eight on-site visits (focusing on school districts which did not use federal Vocational Education Act funds) were made with state vocational education administrators and rural school superintendents in two states to identify factors related to providing vocational education to rural secondary students, to ascertain why some rural districts did not apply for federal and/or state vocational education funds, and to establish what vocational education services students in those districts received. Local superintendents were most concerned about finding and keeping certified vocational teachers. The small amount of money and the volume of paperwork entailed discouraged some from applying for federal funds. Reasons for not wanting to join or contract with area vocational schools included cost, travel, distance, and political considerations. A number felt that their own industrial arts programs were best suited to their students and community. Some superintendents were not sure whether the requirements which concerned them were federal or state. State level vocational administrators were also concerned about the proper role and funding for industrial arts and career education programs. Both states were in the process of developing multi-occupational cooperative programs. State officials had more direct problems with and suggestions for changing federal law than local officials had. Data indicated that cooperative efforts of federal, state, and local educators were needed to resolve the issues of rural vocational programs. (CM)