This guide is one of the results of the New England Interstate Project 505 effort. The materials were useful in Vermont for State Department of Education personnel working with local education agencies and may also be useful in other places. The guide contains materials explaining (a) department planning procedures, (b) department planning process, (c) developing an educational philosophy in local school districts, (d) developing educational goals in local school districts, (e) determination of needs, (f) a plan of action, (g) a plan of action worksheet, (h) developing measurable objectives from educational processes for students, and (i) samples of some plan of action charts. (RC)