In order for the potential of cable television to be applied for educational benefit, educators must effectively communicate their priorities and needs to both licensing authorities and cable companies. This guide familiarizes educators and school committees with their options and prepares them to take part in local franchise negotiations. It deals with the following questions: How and when will schools and libraries be connected to the cable television system; what provisions will be made for educational channels; what facilities are needed to originate and transmit local programming; can cable television mean cable radio too; and, how can cable systems be interconnected? It then introduces cable basics which can help educators understand the magnitude of building a simple one-way community cable system. The possibility of two-way cable communication is also suggested. Finally, it offers a specific process and format to help the reader personalize the information presented in this guide. Throughout all parts of the book, it is emphasized that a cable system should be designed and operated to fit the particular structure and needs of a local community. Appendixes include: 1) procedural regulations for granting community antenna licenses, Commonwealth of Massachusetts; 2) Massachusetts television markets; 3) institutions in Massachusetts with studio facilities; and 4) potential sources of federal funding for educational technology projects. (CH)