The purpose of this handbook is to show how planning and implementing an arts education program can be organized and systematically undertaken. Two alternative planning models are outlined. The first model works for larger schools and involves eight stages carried out by three committees--organizers, planners, and implementers. The alternative model is suitable for smaller schools and has one committee to perform four major roles--advocating and organizing, assessing and planning, supporting and implementing, and evaluating and modifying. An 'ideal' model program is described based on effective features common to successful arts programs. A checklist is provided to help site-level administrators understand their roles in partnership planning. The appendices provide outlines for model curriculum guidelines, inventory forms, a chart of a 7-year curriculum implementation cycle, sample budgets, and resource and instructional material lists. (KM)