This guide is intended to help develop and implement an outcomes assessment program at the school, district, or state level. An introduction summarizes the purposes of this approach to assessment, which focuses on results rather than process. A four-step process is outlined. The first step is to establish a solid foundation for assessment efforts, including: involving stakeholders up front, determining why outcomes should be measured, defining terms, considering assumptions, and resolving the fundamental issues in outcomes assessment. Step 2 involves developing, adopting, or adapting a model. The importance of selecting an approach, defining outcome domains, defining outcomes, and defining indicators is explained. The establishment of a data collection and reporting system is step 3. Components of this step are deciding on data sources, developing or adapting data collection and analysis mechanisms, and deciding how to report and use the information. The final step is installing the system, including creating incentives and gaining support for their adoption and use, preparing staff and public for the changes, and evaluating the system as it is implemented. Contains 36 references to suggested resource materials and 21 citations of organizational sources for technical assistance. (DB)