This guide is designed to provide Rhode Island educators and families with information about appropriate interventions, recommended referral procedures, recommended diagnostic procedures, and legal issues regarding students with attention deficit disorders. It begins by answering frequently asked questions about attentional disorders and eligibility of students with attentional disorders for special education services. Student characteristics, the role of the regular education teachers, and the role of families are discussed; and definitions are provided. Chapter 2 lists 20 of the most common home and school related difficulties of students with attentional disorders and identifies some intervention strategies for each of the difficulties. Key points in designing intervention plans and specific intervention strategies for elementary and for secondary students are provided for the school and home environment. Chapter 3 describes referral and identification procedures for receiving special education services. The following chapter provides a framework for the comprehensive, multidisciplinary evaluation of attentional disorders. The final chapter discusses legal issues affecting decision making for students with attentional disorders by providing an overview of federal statutes and regulations affecting students with disabilities. Appendices include diagnostic criteria for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and additional resources. (Contains 42 references.) (CR)