Counselors and visiting teachers serving special education students face unique problems in meeting the needs of those students. The general and specific knowledge that the counselors and visitng teachers should have in order to work most effectively with students with special needs has been the focus of a study sponsored by the Texas Education Agency. The study seeks to define the roles and to identify the competencies, both shared and unique, of counselors and visiting teachers who serve exceptional children and their families. Topics discussed are: planning and evaluation, pupil appraisal, instructional delivery, special supportive services, parent counseling and involvement, coordination and utilization of community resources, inservice education, and guidance and counseling. (Author/JLL)