Performance based education requires that some authority establish criterion guidelines. State involvement in setting these guidelines varies widely along a continuum. This guide is designed to be read primarily by legislators and state education personnel. Its purpose is to provide assistance to agencies considering the development of performance-based teacher education programs and certification policies. The emphasis is on management systems and how they can most effectively formulate plans and implement them to attain goals. Different states assume varying responsibility in the regulation of teacher competency, curriculum development, and educational goals. Management plans necessitate development of a management goal, objectives and information on events that includes activities, the group responsible, estimated completion date, and estimated cost. Many examples illuminate the ideas discussed, and addresses for further resource information are included. (SM)