This guide, which is intended primarily for school and college personnel interested in initiating or improving work-based learning, examines the development and implementation of work-based education programs in Washington. The following topics are discussed: the rationale for work-based learning (legislative and educational change information, benefits of work-based learning, and selected work-based learning strategies); program planning (issues, the coordinating role of steering committees, and the importance of administrative support and broad-based involvement); program implementation (responsibilities of educational institutions, employers and/or supervisors, students, and parents and guardians; considerations in developing learning sites, connecting students with experiences, and reinforcing learning; and marketing and evaluation; and legal issues (wage, hour, and child labor laws; the Americans with Disabilities Act; concerns regarding privacy, medical issues, sexual harassment, and liability). Appendixes constituting approximately 60% of the guide contain the following: Washington's definition of work-based learning; national career development guidelines; highlights and summaries of state and federal legislation related to work-based learning; information about skill standards; sample forms, documents, surveys, and letters; policies and information related to credit; workplace characteristics and skills identified by the Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills; information related to developing learning objectives; educational taxonomies; and sample policy related to liability issues. (MN)