Presented by handicapping condition are program standards in Ohio for public special education of exceptional children, 6 to 18 years of age, and for legal dismissal from school attendance. The state board of education is said to be authorized by the state legislature to prescribe and adopt standards, grant permission to local school districts to operate programs, and to provide services for handicapped students. Program standards are given for the following handicaps: aural handicaps, physical handicaps, visual handicaps, multiple handicaps, learning and behavioral disabilities, emotional disturbance, and mental handicaps (educable only). Also, standards are given for speech, language, and hearing services; school psychological services; transportation; individual instructional services; individual supplemental services; and legal dismissal from school attendance. Typically specified in relation to handicapping condition are general guidelines for the special education unit; eligibility; assessment and placement; aspects of the comprehensive program (including services); class size and age range; housing, facilities, equipment, and materials; the educational program; supervision and other support staff; and qualifications for teachers, aides, therapists, and volunteers. Specified for severely handicapped students are standards for individual instructional services such as home or telephone instruction and supplemental tutoring. It is explained that legal dismissal from school concerns school age children with IQ levels under 50 and is based upon evidence of psychological evaluation, trial placement in programs, and conferences with parents. (MC)