This is one of three publications prepared by the Ohio State Board of Education to assist schools in implementing a competency based education program, as required by the 1983 revised minimum standards for elementary and secondary schools. The aim of this publication is to clarify the requirements of the minimum standards regarding (1) the function of courses of study in the instructional program, (2) the format for developing courses of study, and (3) the development of pupil performance objectives. Chapter 1 provides an overview of the legal bases for course of study development. Chapter 2 is a discussion of various considerations in course-of-study development, including equity issues, the incorporation of mandated topics, committee selection, curriculum development, format options, approval procedures, and available state services. Chapter 3 provides a process model for developing a course of study. Components described include cover sheet, statement of approval by school board, table of contents, introduction, district philosophy and goals, program philosophy and goals, scope and sequence, pupil evaluation policy, and review plan. Chapter 4 covers the process of developing pupil performance objectives. Appendixes include a checklist to monitor course-of-study development, information about available materials, and samples of various components of a course of study. A bibliography is included. (TE)