This handbook is part of the technical assistance effort of the California State Department of Education to clarify the operations of the California schools for parents so they might better support the education of their children. It provides information on the following: (1) the educational system, enrollment procedures and transportation, especially for elementary and secondary students; (2) basic school programs and curriculum; (3) grades, promotions and testing, with an explanation of the types of tests used in California, such as the California Assessment Program tests and the high school proficiency tests; (4) bilingual education and other services to language minority students who are of limited English proficiency; (5) additional educational programs and services, such as vocational education, continuation education, advanced placement, adult education, child development programs, and summer school; (6) parental involvement with schools, teachers and administrators; and (7) the structure of the public school system. (PS)