The Oregon Professional Development Center (OPDC) was created by the Oregon Department of Education to support school councils in the state as they make local changes to meet the requirements of the Oregon Educational Act for the 21st Century. School councils will be established at every school in Oregon, charged with three main areas of work: improving instructional programs, establishing staff-development programs, and developing and coordinating school improvements in compliance with the act. Councils must consider the needs of minority students in all these areas. This guidebook offers recommendations for school councils regarding council formation and operation, curriculum planning, the implementation of school-improvement efforts, and staff-development planning. A list of resources is provided. (LMI)