Seventeen guidelines for reading improvement programs in elementary and secondary schools are presented and discussed in this report. Areas focused upon include needs assessment, implementation, evaluation, philosophy and dissemination. The guidelines are: (1) identify the status of the reading program, including reading problems and program strengths; (2) determine and make public the required and desirable solutions regarding the program; (3) identify alternative strategies to resolve identified reading problems; (4) seek solution strategies; (5) diagnose reading behaviors of students; (6) prescribe instruction for students to remove reading deficiencies; (7) personalize instruction to meet the reading needs, strengths, and interests of individual students; (8) provide continuous opportunity for students to learn to read in all subjects; (9) match instructional facilities, materials and equipment to the reading needs and interests of students; (10) implement proficiency standards in reading for all students; (11) provide inservice education to school staffs which will enable them to perform instructional and management tasks pertinent to the local reading program; (12) modify, if necessary, the reading program to ensure continuous progress in meeting objectives; (13) develop a comprehensive evaluation plan; (14) implement evaluation activities according to plan; (15) develop a comprehensive dissemination of information plan; (16) disseminate reading program information according to plan; and (17) use feedback to bring about change and program renewal. A bibliography is appended to these guidelines. (Author/GC)