The in-school suspension program, an integral aspect of a comprehensive dropout prevention program, insures the opportunity for high-risk students to achieve minimum competencies as outlined in North Carolina's Basic Education Program standards for student performance. Accordingly, the purpose of this program guide is to provide assistance to local education agencies in developing and improving such in-school suspension programs. After a brief overview, the first section provides guidelines for administration of the in-school suspension program, including program objectives, budgeting management, staffing management, facilities management, other budgeting considerations, student placement, and program evaluation. The second section provides guidelines for program content, including recommendations for principals, teachers, and coordinators and elements of an effective program. The final section addresses the need for program support, including a statement of purpose, recommendations for parental involvement, and coordination of external and internal resources. References are included, and the following forms are appended: (1) program referral forms, (2) parental notification forms, (3) teacher notification forms, (4) student development plans, (5) behavior contracts, (6) forms for students' classroom assignments, (7) re-entry forms (8) program guidelines, and (9) reporting forms. (TE)