A combination of facts, examples, models, tools, and sources useful in developing and teaching word processing (WP) programs is provided in this guide. Eight sections are included. Sections 1 and 2 present introductory information on WP (e.g., history, five phases of WP, problems occurring in WP offices, factors of people, procedures, and equipment, and the future of WP) and information on WP as it relates to office careers (e.g., way in which WP is organized, degree of WP implementation, work environments, and WP jobs and career paths). Sections 3 through 6 provide information on competencies, learning activities, curriculum models, and special needs students. Sections 7 and 8 include tools and resources to help develop and teach WP programs. Examples of information included in these sections follow: unpublished materials; periodical articles; government, university, and association publications; sample job descriptions for seven WP positions; glossary of WP terms; forms used in WP centers; cluster layouts of WP centers; guide for developing competencies into performance objectives; preparing a proposal for a WP curriculum; and decision-making guide for purchasing WP equipment. (SH)