Designed to assist educators in planning for the use of microcomputers in their schools, this guide begins with a brief statement of a philosophy for the use of computers in education. The main positions expressed by this philosophy are that students must have the opportunity to learn about the role of technology in society and to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to use the computer as a personal tool for learning, and that educators should use the computer to augment classroom instruction, to manage instruction more effectively, and to make possible the development of new curricula as well as new approaches to learning. An overview of educational uses of computers is provided and the Division of Instructional Media and Technology is briefly described. Minimum objectives and curricular models for computer literacy for students in Virginia are then presented, followed by guidelines for reviewing and selecting hardware and software. Objectives and suggestions for staff development programs are also provided for three levels of competencies: basic computer literacy, utilization of computers in instruction, and specialization in computer education. A list of available videotapes on computer literacy and the use of microcomputers in the schools for use in connection with staff development activities concludes the guide. (MES)