Prepared for parents, this handbook aims to help them study and assess their public schools. An introduction presents the reasons parents should gather information on their schools and discusses planning the project, organizing the group, and conducting the evaluation. Next, 13 qualities of an academically effective school are listed. Nine sections follow on different aspects of schools; each section lists questions to ask, gives space for answers, and suggests actions to take. The nine sections cover (1) school goals and objectives; (2) administration, including the principal, superintendent, and board; (3) teachers, involving training, effectiveness, satisfaction, salary, and personnel policies; (4) students; (5) curriculum, including English, mathematics, social studies, science, arts, health and physical education, life skills, and career or vocational education; (6) support services, such as testing, guidance and counseling, and education for the handicapped, gifted, and others with special needs; (7) the library, or media or learning center; (8) school plant and financing; and (9) parents and community. The last section discusses analysis of data and preparation of plans for improvement. A list of resources is appended. (RW)