Instructional systems development (ISD) is a systems approach to curriculum development and instructional delivery. It is oriented toward occupational needs with an emphasis on what it is that students must learn to perform specific tasks, what facilities best provide a setting for the neccessary learning, and what instructional methods and media best facilitate learning. There are four important differences between ISD and more traditional forms of instruction: (1) the requirement, through job analyses, occupational surveys, and feedback from graduates, of the thoughtful selection of what is to be taught based on data from the field; (2) attention given to how training is to be conducted, especially consideration of innovative alternatives; (3) use of test data based on absolute standards of performance to grade students and judge quality of instruction; and (4) application of contemporary technology to optimize instructional effectiveness, efficiency, and cost. Following the narrative discussion, the report describes the five phases of ISD--analysis, design, development, implementation, and control/evaluation--through text and accompanying charts showing the sequence of events. Event outcomes are also listed. A six-page glossary is appended. (YLB)