The practical aspects of planning and successfully implementing a busing program for school desegregation are emphasized in this guide. The author points out that school districts that don't wait for a court order to start planning school desegregation stand a much better chance of smooth implementation. From interviews with school administrators, as well as from a review of the literature, the author has identified four major issues that are involved in making busing for desegregation work: (1) choosing an efficient and fair busing plan; (2) gaining community support by involving parents, students, and community members in decision making, by school administrators showing strong leadership and support for the plan, and by communicating effectively with the community; (3) making sure the plan runs smoothly by handling discipline problems and violence even-handedly and equitably, and by orienting parents and students to changes brought about by busing; and (4) making necessary improvements in facilities, curriculum, and staff development. (Author/DS)