The manual sets forth New York state guidelines for referring and evaluating children suspected of having a learning disability (LD). Definitional issues comprise the first section, followed by sample characteristics of students with learning disabilities. Procedures for referrals are outlined. Placement decisions and decisions about services are considered as an outgrowth of evaluations of the student's psychological functioning, social history, educational skills, and physical examination. A 2-page checklist for evaluating a child with suspected LD is presented. The individualized education program (IEP) is then considered in two phases, with discussion of related services, resource room programs, and special classroom programs. IEP development factors, including frequent review of the student's progress, are listed. (CL)