The purposes of this study were to determine the level of implementation of HIV prevention for students with mental retardation in rural schools in Indiana, identify barriers and supporting factors related to program implementation and identify staff development needs. Telephone interviews were conducted with 19 directors of rural special education cooperatives in Indiana. The school districts served by these 19 cooperatives represented 65.5% of the rural school districts in Indiana. The directors reported that instruction about methods of HIV transmission and skills for prevention of HIV varies among both school districts and schools within districts. Transmission of HIV and prevention skills were more likely to be taught to students with mild mental retardation than those with moderate or severe mental retardation. Five specific barriers to instruction were identified along with staff development and resource needs for special educators. Factors supporting instruction included the directors' perception of the importance of HIV prevention education and the involvement of school nurses.