A letter from Rod Paige, United States Secretary of Education, introduces a booklet which provides guidance to state educational agencies (SEAs), local educational agencies (LEAs), and the public on constitutionally protected prayer in U.S. public elementary and secondary schools. The guidance also sets forth and explains the responsibilities of SEAs and LEAs with respect to this aspect of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. Most significantly, as a condition for receiving funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), a LEA must certify in writing to its SEA that it has no policy that prevents, or otherwise denies participation in, constitutionally protected prayer in public schools as set forth in this guidance. The guidance clarifies the rights of students to pray in public schools; while, at the same time, school officials may not compel students to participate in prayer or other religious activities. Following an Introduction, the booklet discusses Section 9524 Certification Process and Enforcement of Section 9524; presents an Overview of Governing Constitutional Principles; and addresses Applying the Governing Principles in Particular Contexts, including prayer during noninstructional time, organized prayer groups and activities, teachers and other school employees, moments of silence, accommodation of prayer during instructional time, religious expression and prayer in class assignments, student assemblies and extracurricular events, and prayer at graduation and baccalaureate ceremonies. (BT)