Intended for boards of education, teachers, and concerned citizens, the manual suggests means of evaluating state laws and public school services for mentally retarded students. Guidelines provide information on right to education legislation and litigation, suggestions for citizen monitoring of school services, and a list of resources. Presented is a checklist to evaluate state law provisions for compulsory attendance, classification and placement, definitions, administration, early and continuing education, physical facilities, materials, transportation, personnel and supportive services, funding, and parent involvement. Recommendations for obtaining new laws are given. Considered in the checklist for evaluating classroom programming are educational goals, curriculum, and individual program plans. An additional checklist covers curriculum skill objectives for the following areas: physical development, mobility, and coordination; sensori-motor development and integration; self-care, grooming, and personal hygiene; communication; and self-direction, social behavior, and work. (IM)