The manual is designed to be used with a 22-minute film to provide individualized instruction on a decision systems approach to special education placement for mildly handicapped students. It is explained that the film poses simulated confrontations between an elementary school teacher, principal, guidance counselor, and parents. The material in the manual is organized according to 35 objectives, each requiring the completion of several tasks. Provisions are made for the instructor to monitor individual student progress through the use of attainment sheets. Tasks and objectives are provided for such topics as behavioral characteristics of the mildly handicapped, formal and informal assessment, special education delivery systems, parent involvement in the placement decision, labeling and categorizing, least restrictive alternative, sources of test biases, observing and recording behavior, accountability and finance, socialization and peer interaction, teacher competencies, litigation, and advocacy. Listed are field resources (such as a school psychologist and resource teacher) the student is directed to visit and interview. (CL)