This guide was developed to define the role and responsibilities of basic skills instructors in Missouri. The manual contains basic information that should serve as a guide to basic skills instructors as they work with disadvantaged and handicapped students in vocational education programs. It attempts to identify the major concerns of basic skills instructors as determined by a needs survey completed in October 1987. The guide identifies six areas of responsibility for basic skills instructors: identification and assessment; teaching, tutoring, and testing; materials to use in basic skills programs; recordkeeping techniques; meetings and contacts; and counseling, transition, and employment. An overview of each area is followed by a list of questions that might arise along with answers to those questions. Additional resources are listed for each area in order to provide specific information and quick references. In addition, a section on postsecondary education includes information that may meet the needs of that population. A glossary and list of 13 references conclude the manual. (KC)