This report describes a preliminary methodology by which distressed communities may be identified using school districts as the basic unit for the presentation of data. Distress consists of a concentration of the following types of need: (1) economic; (2) social; and (3) educational. Distress was measured by an index that determined a district's concentration of these needs. Specific indicators for each of the distress dimensions are identified. Based on this preliminary definition, highly distressed areas within New York State are identified. These areas display the greatest need for an integrated approach to community problems. Tables, maps, and figures illustrate the data. (BJV)