In a sense, public education is like a pyramid of laws, policies, regulations, rules, guidelines, and practices built on a foundation called the U.S. Constitution. At each level, there is a set of "do's and don'ts" that guide the actions of people involved in public education. This handbook, written to help people understand their rights relating to public education, gives information, ideas and suggestions on ways to improve the students' education. Discussed are the education pyramid; legal rights of students and their parents; how to influence school decisions; evaluating the school; New Mexico State education agencies and laws; how and where to file discrimination complaints; major issues in schools--curriculum, personnel, school plant and equipment, parent and student rights, school board and accountability; freedom of speech; searches; suspensions and expulsions; dress codes; corporal punishment; student marriage and pregnancy; student records; ability grouping; the educable mentally retarded; bilingual education; Federal programs and discrimination; free lunch program; Freedom of Information Act; textbooks; teacher certification; education of Native Americans; and local school boards. Also included are sample letters for filing Title VI and IX complaints, for requesting a conference with school personnel, and for requesting permission to speak before the school board; suggestions for dealing with people in the education pyramid; and an evaluation checklist for evaluating a school. (NQ)