Drawing from existing records, documents, and data files, this report provides a comprehensive assessment of the status of vocational education in California's community colleges. Part I offers an executive summary of the study, including major factors affecting the status of vocational education in community colleges, key findings, recommendations, and a brief statement about the guiding principles for delivering the mission of vocational education. Part II explains the background and purpose of the study and the procedures used. Part III traces the history and chronological development of vocational education at community colleges in California, including a discussion of legislation, national and world events, issues, perceptions, and trends affecting the nature and operation of two-year college vocational programs. Part IV contains a summary of major study findings in six areas of investigation: students in vocational education, vocational programs, program delivery patterns, program planning, program funding, and student outcomes. Finally, part V contains recommendations related to leadership, mission, and philosophy; program planning and coordination; student services and program impacts; vocational program funding; the state program approval process; and the state information system. Appendixes include a list of resource documents reviewed during the study, a socioeconomic profile of vocational education students, various types of enrollment data, and a summary of faculty characteristics related to Vocational Weekly Student Contact Hours. (LAL)