This monograph presents a rationale for proactive social skills training for persons with mental retardation as well as over 100 examples of such instruction across the K-12 continuum. Chapter 1 provides a conceptual framework of social competence with principles of what, when, and how to teach social skills. Chapter 2 discusses the direct instruction of social skills including use of simulation and specific instructional procedures and processes. The bulk of the book consists of specific lesson plans organized by level (primary, intermediate, middle school/junior high, and senior high) and skill areas (classroom related skills, school building related skills, personal skills, interaction initiative skills, interaction response skills, community related skills, and work related skills). Each lesson plan includes the objective, performance criteria, materials needed, and procedures (often outlined in detail). A checklist for rating school and community social skills is appended as are homework forms to encourage practice in 32 specific skills. (DB)