This guide provides evaluative criteria for the elementary-secondary administrator to measure the quality of a school's facilities for general condition and suitability for educational programs. Appraisal criteria and instruments are categorized into six major areas of discussion: "The School Site,""Structural and Mechanical Features,""Plant Maintainability,""School Building Safety,""Educational Adequacy," and "Environment for Education." The guide contains approximately 125 items that affect the functioning of a school. Nontechnical language is used so that the process of appraisal may be accomplished by educators and community leaders. Use of the instruments, however, requires a general knowledge of the educational program, operation of a physical plant, and state/national standards for educational facilities. "Barrier-Freeness" is discussed following the section on appraisal criteria, which is a federally required facility characteristic allowing physical accessibility to all educational programs regardless of physical or mental disabilities. Following a brief section devoted to asbestos as a safety problem, a glossary of terms is presented. Three appendices offer guides to independent appraisal of elementary, middle school, and high school facilities. Eighteen references are given. (CJH)