Recent medical and surgical advances as well as court decisions have led to special education programs serving a growing number of students with extreme medical and educational needs. Particularly close bonding between the special education teacher and student with severe disabilities can occur, as the teacher provides so many services and works with the same child year after year. As student death is a real possibility, teachers need to receive training in how to respond to death. This paper discusses specific activities identified by teachers, parents, and school administrators as helpful in easing grief. Specific guidelines are offered for dealing with such a death, based on Frederick County (Maryland) guidelines for crisis intervention. These include immediate procedural guidelines; responsibilities of the building administrator; availability of crisis team members; the funeral; managing memorial funds; and follow up with students, staff, and community. (Contains 15 references.) (DB)