The guidelines are intended as a self evaluation and to improve K through 12 educational programs for visually handicapped students. Five options for the use of the guide (including as a self study instrument for a day school program following the intensive accreditation model but not applying for accreditation or as a supplement to the self study instruments required by the regional accrediting agencies for the accreditation of a school) are considered. Questions are posed for self evaluation in the following areas: philosophy and objectives, program and community profile, the plan for learning experiences, instructional areas offered to all pupils, special instructional areas and techniques, and nonacademic areas. A final section provides a mechanism for summarizing the results of the total self study. (CL)