The manual describes procedures and techniques required for the collection of academic survival skill data (data on the classroom behavior of students and the teacher or peer responses to that behavior). The observer is provided with guidelines to assure smooth data collection through proper equipment functioning and the maintenance of good relations with school personnel. Outlined are procedures for arriving at and checking into a school, entering the classroom, conduct during an observation, and followup activities to conclude a period of classroom observation. Detailed instructions are given for recording observed behaviors on the coding sheet. Definitions are provided for the 19 behavioral codes used and for the five terms used to describe the classroom structure and kind of work provided by the teacher. Also specified is the proper order of observational procedures to follow to assure the correct sequencing of coding. (KW)