This paper presents guidelines designed to provide assistance to school districts, county offices of education, and other educational agencies in carrying out the requirements of California law S.B. 179. The law was passed in 1977 by the State's legislature and required each public education agency to develop and implement an affirmative action employment program that seeks, hires, and promotes women and persons of minority, racial, and ethnic backgrounds. The statute further required the State Board to (1) include handicapped persons within the protection of the law; (2) file an affirmation of compliance with the Department of Education; and (3) file a report to the legislature by July 1, 1979, regarding the number of districts that had adopted and were maintaining affirmative action programs. The guidelines in the paper include recommendations as to the essential elements of a plan and recommended techniques for its implementation. Key terms are defined and concepts explained. Appended to the guidelines are the section of the bill on legal requirements for affirmative action (Education Code Sections 44100-44105), and California administrative code regulations. (AOS)