A needs assessment instrument was developed to aid rural (upstate New York) school officials in implementing staff development programs and determining special staff development needs for serving handicapped students in the mainstream. Survey responses were gathered from 85 elementary and secondary teachers in 3 school districts over 2 counties. The survey contained demographic questions--age, teaching experience, ethnic background, sex--and specific questions in topic areas: school support for developing student understanding of values and interpersonal skills; school support for students' skills acquisition; teachers' perceptions of their ability to support student skill acquisition and to work with mainstreamed handicapped children; ability of school to prepare students for post-school life; and teachers' perceptions of district support for their professional development. Results indicated: (1) need to emphasize understanding of students' own values and to improve understanding and sensitivity toward others; (2) insufficient preparation of students to assume jobs in urban/suburban settings and a pluralistic society; (3) student need to acquire career awareness and time management skills; (4) need for administrators to improve organizational climate, to communicate with teachers, and to provide adequate feedback; and (5) need for productive staff development programs that are collaborative and based on needs assessment. Tables of survey results and the needs assessment form are included. (LFL)