The curriculum guide describes a hands-on publishing activity center as a means of encouraging student improvement in basic skills. Arranged into three parts, part 1 gives program administrators a general program overview, program goals, content area applications, tips for creating a program, information about necessary equipment and supplies, and a list of public relations activities. Part 2 provides teachers and para-professionals with an introduction and a detailed description of a publishing activity center (including physical layout of the center, specific operation of equipment, and activities for teachers, paraprofessionals, and students). Directions are given for making a paste-up and integrating social studies, art, math, and science into the program. The final section provides pupils with a list of 19 steps to publishing success, information about jobs on a school publication, and samples of work published by students in other schools. Appendices include posters that may be removed from the curriculum guide and used as a teaching aid. (LH)