New York State has provided an alternative in the high school equivalency program consisting of a thorough analysis of an individual's strengths and weaknesses in key academic skill areas essential to success in any formal postsecondary educational program followed by an individualized learning program designed to meet individual needs. This manual provides inservice training and information for teachers and administrators. An historical background and information on the content and technical features of General Educational Development (GED) Tests are provided. Directions on administering the program are supplied including scheduling, staffing patterns, basic instructional units, eligibility, entrance testing, diagnosis and prescription, and instruction and evaluation. A model is presented of a systems approach to individualizing the GED preparation process. The open ended program requires high level management skills. An exemplar of methods to manage specific problems arising in this course of study is provided in an interactional format. The final chapter discusses test wiseness. (RC)