These proceedings were compiled from two separate institutes held in Ann Arbor on November 18-19, 1976, and again on January 20-21, 1977. Institute participants included directors of special education, school psychologists, school social workers, and teacher consultants from around the state. The papers presented here are composites of presentations made at both institutes. The major concern of the institutes was the involvement of parents in decision-making concerning the kinds of education provided handicapped students. Topics considered include the effect of court litigation, diagnostic testing, the relationship between school psychologists and parents, and student placement, particularly mainstreaming. (Author/IRT)