LAY ADVISORY COMMITTEES, WHICH MAY BE GENERAL IN NATURE OR MAY DIRECT THEIR ATTENTION TO SPECIFIC PROGRAMS, ARE ORGANIZED TO ADVISE AND COUNSEL SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS AND TO MAKE SUGGESTIONS OR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR GUIDANCE OF STATE AND LOCAL BOARDS. THEY PROVIDE THE TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE SCHOOL AND THE COMMUNITY WHICH IS ESSENTIAL TO ALL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS. THE DECISION TO ESTABLISH AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MUST COME FROM A PROPERLY CONSTITUTED AUTHORITY AND SHOULD FOLLOW CONSIDERATION OF THE COMMITTEE'S PURPOSE, MEMBERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS, SIZE, AND OPERATION. THE SECOND PART OF THE PAPER IS A SAMPLE HANDBOOK FOR ADVISORY COMMITTEES, WITH SECTIONS ON FUNCTIONS, TYPES, ESTABLISHMENT PROCEDURES, EFFECTIVE USE OF COMMITTEES, RESPONSIBILITIES OF SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVES, CONDUCT OF MEETINGS, AND FOLLOWUP OF MEETINGS. (WO)