ABSTRACTThirteen goal planning manual texts commonly used with care staff who work with people with mental handicaps were anslysed for their readability, human interest, and content. Their readability and human interest levels were variable, and often below those of reading materials commonly experienced by the general public. The content of the manuals is criticised for lack of real‐life practice opportunities for staff training in assessment and teaching skills, and also for the general lack of suggested procedures to monitor and maintain staff behaviour. Areas for future development of goal planning manuals are suggested. In particular, the need for empirical assessment of the effect of alternative manual formats is highlighte