Using the school-community council as a vehicle, this manual leads school staffs, parents, community representatives, and school council members step-by-step through suggested tasks to strengthen schools and to help restore confidence in the public school system. Chapter 1, "Schools and Communities Working Together: A Rationale," defines the role and purpose of the California School Improvement Program, delineates the concept of community education, and discusses the benefits of integrating school improvement and community education. Chapter 2 concerns "Planning for Effective Schools," while chapter 3 covers "Needs Assessments for School and Community." Chapter 4, "Effective Councils: Keys to Success," provides models for linking or merging school and community councils. Chapter 5 covers "Orientation and Training for School-Community Council Members," and chapter 6 concerns "Identifying and Using Community Resources for School Improvement." Chapter 7 provides brief descriptions of 11 exemplary "Model School Programs." Chapter 8 covers "Staffing, Funding, and Budgeting: How to Do the Most with the Least." Chapter 9 provides policy guidance on "Community Use of School Facilities," while chapter 10 discusses "Overcoming Barriers and Realizing Benefits" of school and community cooperation. Eleven charts and 19 worksheets for identifying community resources and evaluating tasks are included throughout the text, and four appendixes are provided: (1) sample questions for opinion surveys, (2) how to organize a community goal-setting conference, (3) leasing policies, and (4) glossary of terms. (TE)