This guidebook is designed to assist Colorado school and agency professionals in the identification of students with emotional disabilities and in the development and implementation of services for such students with emotional disabilities. Following an introductory chapter, chapter 2 discusses federal and state law governing the identification of, and services to, students with emotional disabilities. Provisions under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act are reviewed, and "significant identifiable emotional disability" (SIED) is defined under Colorado state law. Chapter 3 describes discipline procedures for students with emotional disabilities including suspensions, expulsions, and manifestation determination requirements. A discipline flow chart is provided. Chapter 4 explores current issues and research relating to the eligibility, programming, and services to students with emotional disabilities. The following chapter describes tools and strategies for the identification and eligibility of students with significant identifiable emotional disabilities, including the use of functional assessments. The last two chapters discuss linking assessment data to instructional and positive behavioral supports and future areas for research. Appendices include a chart of functional assessment tools and purposes and uses, and an example of a completed SIED eligibility determination worksheet. (Contains 46 references.) (CR)