This manual is intended to be a how-to guide for school district leaders who want to begin using a school-based approach to improve the quality of education in their districts. The manual provides a brief review of the school-based improvement process--what it is and the rationale for using it. One section deals with implementing school-based improvement ideas. This guide will help to identify the people who are key to instituting school-based improvement: district superintendents, boards of education, district staff, parents, community members, teachers, and principals. A variety of strategies used to gain support are provided: districtwide, pilot, school selection, and selecting and training facilitators and councils. Another section points out the steps needed to move into and institutionalize a school-based improvement approach. Guidance on avoiding common pitfalls is offered. Appended are (1) key presentation points and transparency designs for an orientation to school-based improvement; (2) a model memorandum of agreement; (3) examples of needs assessment instruments; and (4) 17 references. (SI)