Intended for New York City special education teachers, the handbook presents information on classroom strategies as well as administrative matters. The initial chapter introduces quality instruction and examines aspects of the environment conducive to it. Also considered are the roles of support personnel and parents. Preparation for instruction, the subject of chapter 2, focuses on assessment, standardized testing, the individualized education program, task analysis, mainstreaming, and multicultural/multiethnic concerns. Chapter 3 addresses teaching and learning strategies, with special emphasis on developing critical thinking and problem solving skills through questioning, selecting and adapting materials, and study skills. Curriculum aspects addressed in chapter 4 include the following: New York City's Minimum Teaching Essentials (an outline of curriculum content), communication arts, reading, mathematics, bilingual special education, and career education and life skills. The final chapter explores administrative topics such as promotional policies, suspension procedures, and transportation regulations. (CL)