This curriculum guide is intended for use with mentally retarded adults who are enrolled in adult basic education classes. The curriculum provides guidelines to improve students' competencies in three main areas: general functioning skills and independence (transportation, interpersonal relationships, health and safety, goal setting, planning and spending money wisely, and government); academic skills (reading, math, money, use of a calculator, and writing), and personal qualities. The introductory section includes a description of the students involved in the field test of the curriculum, tips on working with mentally retarded students, a schedule, a student progress report, and directions on using the curriculum. Lesson plans containing a need statement, goal, objectives, session-by-session instructional plan, suggested supplemental readings, and recommended related math activities are included in each unit. Skits, discussion questions, worksheets, and samples are also included. (MN)