Diagnostic screening involved a vocational interview, the California Achievement Test, a social work interview, a medical and dental examination, a review of the student's data file, observation by cottage staff, and a screening for learning disabilities. The Slingerland and a Peabody Individual Achievement Test were also administered. A Pupil Placement and Planning Team was set up to analyze the diagnostic information and to place in an exceptional educational category those students meeting criteria. The team then wrote the long-term goals for individual educational plans for each special education student. An analysis of residents' characteristics revealed more diversity than uniformity among residents. This has implications for similar program designs. Two tables show resident characteristics.