This guide presents the components and implementation phases of the Technical Assistance Center's Chapter 1 Program Improvement Process. The goal of this process is to improve the achievement of educationally disadvantaged students. The following components are discussed: (1) teamwork; (2) informed decision-making; (3) vision setting; (4) research and reality based; (5) site sensitive; and (6) focus on the student. Four phases of the process are discussed. Phase One, "Gathering Information," includes the following events: (1) teams are assembled and trained; (2) facts and opinions are gathered; and (3) analysis of the facts is initiated. Phase Two, "Targeting Areas for Improvement," includes the following events: (1) leaders begin to focus on problems; (2) action teams are set up to analyze strengths and weaknesses of the program; (3) areas for improvement are designated; and (4) alternative solutions to problems are explored. During Phase Three, "Building a Vision," the action teams present their analysis of relative merits of the solutions under consideration, along with their recommendations for change. At the end of Phase Three, the group has an idea of the way Chapter 1 should be implemented at its school, along with a plan for achieving its goals. During Phase Four, "Turning the Vision into Reality," the plans set in the previous phase are implemented. At the end of the school year, the change is evaluated to determine its impact on the students. (JS)