Designed to aid in developing instructional programs in North Carolina, the guide defines the educable mentally retarded (EMR) and presents the goal of the EMR education program. Also outlined are principles and methods of instruction, traditional areas of the curriculum as they relate to the EMR, and development of a sequential curriculum. Basic learnings in social competencies, communication skills, and number concepts are listed at each of four levels: primary, elementary, junior high, and senior high. A bibliography cites 13 general references and 20 publications in the areas of curriculum, speech and language development, physical activities, periodicals, and curriculum guides. Appendixes provide information on field trips, daily class schedule, grading, reporting to parents, and approximating mental age from IQ and chronological age. (DF)