This paper presents one approach to assessment of students with severe mental retardation, as implemented in the Harris County Department of Education in Houston, Texas. The paper views assessment as a strategic problem-solving process that acquires information vital for making programmatic suggestions. The benefits of parental involvement in the assessment process are emphasized. The bulk of the paper comprises detailed checklists for parents to complete to provide assessment information in the areas of: activities at home; activities for developing motor skills; vocational tasks; and academic skills needed for educational, domestic, community, recreation/leisure, and vocational environments. (35 references) (JDD)