This handbook, published for the use of Alberta administrators, counselors, and educators, serves the following purposes: (1) to communicate information useful in organizing and operating schools and early childhood services programs; and (2) to identify program requirements specified by Alberta Education and the foundation on which these requirements are based. The handbook is divided into four major parts. The first part presents the program's foundations, including the program's goal, learning expectations, education delivery, and achievement standards, as well as a definition of basic education. The second part gives a detailed description of the program's organization and delivery, including the program's structure, programming principles, and how to plan students' schedules and report their achievement. The third part sets out the legal parameters with a discussion of the management, operation, and power of local school authorities as they are defined by the School Act of Alberta. A synopsis of the Alberta Education Regulations Manual and the Alberta Educational Policy Manual is also presented. The fourth part gives definitions of learning resources and a detailed list of learning resources distributors in Alberta. The handbook concludes with the Alberta Education and Alberta Education Regional Offices Branch directory. (AA)