A 4 year study is being conducted with 150 children (9 to 14 years old) to develop and evaluate a self management system for children with asthma. Ss receive a variety of educational "treatments" for their asthma, including information giving sessions, peer and family support groups, and relaxation training. Critical Incident Interviews, as well as contact with children participating in the study, have indicated that a significant obstacle faced by these children in preventing or controlling their asthmatic episodes is a general lack of understanding of their physical and emotional needs on the part of teachers and other school personnel. Data shows that the "successful self manager" is a child who has developed and exercises some measure of independence in self care, the ability to make appropriate decisions, skill in practicing compensatory behaviors, the ability to control stressful emotions, and the ability to resist detrimental peer and adult pressure. Among implications for school administrators, teachers, and support personnel are that there is a need for greater awareness by educators that chronic illnesses are handicaping conditions; that materials need to be developed that enable school personnel to deal appropriately with the special learning and social needs of the chronically ill child; and that mechanisms for improved communication and coordination between the school staff, parents, and medical personnel need to be developed. Statistics on critical incident categories are included. (SB)