The report examines the status of special education in St. Louis (Missouri) Public Schools. Census data are reported by primary handicap, age, and principle type of service received. Difficulties in the process of diagnosis and assignment of handicap category are revealed, including confusion over eligibility for learning disabled (LD) and educable mentally retarded (EMR) placements. Further time lags associated with the referral process are noted, despite an overall trend toward a more efficient prereferral process at the building level. Difficulties in the district's screening process and followup are analyzed, as are continuing concerns over the increasing number of students classified as LD. High school resource programs for moderately to mildly handicapped students are explained to present scheduling, attendance, and caseload management problems. Recommendations are offered including granting credit for appropriate resource room participation and promoting a higher level of student participation in Individualized Education Program conferences. A cooperative program serving students with severe behavior problems is evaluated. A prospectus for 1984-85 lists areas of evaluation and research need. (CL)