This handbook contains legislation, regulations, and general information for helping Alberta schools establish school councils or make the transition from parent advisory groups to school councils. The school council is a collective association of parents, teachers, principals, staff, students, and community representatives. The handbook describes the background of and policy regarding school councils. It offers guidelines for appropriate meeting agenda, operations, membership, and the role of the school board. Practices used in other provinces are highlighted. Answers to frequently asked questions about the school-council process and an index are included. Appendices contain section 17 of the School Act and School Council Regulation, Alberta regulation 124/95 as mandated in the School Act. Contains six references. (LMI)