This publication is a guide for districts and schools moving toward a standards-based educational system. The information is based on a model developed in California. Chapter 1 explores the concepts and research underlying standards-based education. Chapter 2 guides the reader through standards, tests, and accountability measures. Developing a school-community culture to support the standards movement is the focus of chapter 3. Chapter 4 directly addresses the issue of classroom implementation. Strategies for creating a context for instruction and assessment are outlined in chapter 5. Chapter 6 presents an array of academic supports that high schools can implement to ensure students' opportunity to learn, institutionalize equity, and maximize student achievement. Chapter 7 presents ways to increase the bonds between students and the school. Chapter 8 presents the components of a family and community support system that helps all students master the standards. Chapter 9 focuses on the special needs of English language learners. Chapter 10 reviews the types of data schools can collect, the need for data disaggregation, approaches to data analysis, and strategies for using findings to continually improve schools. An appendix contains a reflection tool to determine a school's progress in implanting a standards-based system. A glossary as well as an extensive list of selected references are also included. (WFA)