School districts across the country are developing information and special programs to assist substitute teachers. The following examples of such initiatives illustrate creative, often cost effective practices to improve the effectiveness of substitute teachers or to reduce the district's need for them: (1) Many districts have developed handbooks which are given to substitutes before they report. (2) Some districts have initiated inservice training workshops, such as those developed by the Houston (Texas) Independent School District and the Greenbrier (Arkansas) School District. (3) In many school districts the classroom teacher is involved through substitute teacher packets, buddy systems, and informing students about the regular teacher's expectations. (4) Districts in South Carolina and Arkansas use district administrators as substitutes. (5) The Bellevue (Washington) School District has introduced a school wellness program to promote healthy lifestyles among faculty, thus reducing absenteeism. (6) Districts with staff attendance problems have used monetary incentives and other types of recognition to promote good attendance. These and other like activities help to assure quality instruction and a stable learning environment even when the regular teacher is away. (AMH)