This paper proposes system supports to improve the post-school status of mildly disabled special education students and recommends that such supports be a focus of research supported by the federal Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services. Each service is discussed in terms of its rationale, possible content, process measures, immediate outcome measures, longterm outcome measures, and a time frame for effectiveness research. The use of functional educational outcome measures focusing on postsecondary employment or enrollment status and on general quality of life is recommended. Proposed system supports include: (1) inschool case managers; (2) health services; (3) counseling/treatment programs; (4) extended week/year programs; (5) mentors/benefactors; (6) family support programs; (7) options for out-of-family living; (8) multicultural orientation; (9) placement services; and (10) overall case management. Guidelines are given for documenting the impact of interventions which focus on population characteristics and treatment specifics as well as for statistical analysis by nontraditional techniques. Other guidelines address 3-year and 6-year projects, required resources, and major challenges and limitations (such as limited national resources, the growing underclass, and professional turf issues). (81 references) (DB)