The purpose of the Thresholds project was to encourage and enable mentally ill and/or emotionally disturbed young adults to utilize educational programs, becoming employable, productive, independent, and responsible community members. Part of the project was concerned with the introduction of teachers into the mental health setting teamed with mental health professionals in a rehabilitative effort. Predicted around two major concepts, completion and success, the program was flexibly constructed and based on the modular concept. During the two-year grant period the following objectives were attempted: (1) to integrate the educational program with the Thresholds rehabilitation program, (2) to develop and test techniques and methodologies, and (3) to establish ties with the community. Problems related to the hiring of qualified teachers and the changing nature of the population were encountered. Volunteer teachers contributed greatly to the program. A manual designed as a guide for structuring basic education programs for former mental patients and emotionally disturbed persons is appended. It concludes a discussion of the conceptual framework, program construction, material selection, and a curriculum section listing courses developed in reading, comprehension, communication, and writing. A student evaluation instrument is also included. (MW)