This document is intended to provide a standard for assessing the quality of the mathematics program, and is a guide for planning and implementing improvements in a schools program. The instructors and administrators who use the guide are viewed as the critical and final links in a unique chain that connects what is known about high quality mathematics programs with what happens to students in the classroom. It is noted that the handbook is the result of many hours of intense discussion, writing, and reactions of mathematics educators from throughout California. The material is subdivided into the following major parts: (1) Introduction; (2) The Content of the Mathematics Program (What Students Learn); (3) The Methods of Teaching Mathematics (How Students Learn); (4) Support for Implementation of a Quality Mathematics Program; and (5) Planning for the Improvement of the Mathematics Program. A major factor in the development of the guide was the participation of Professor George Polya, whose work was looked upon as the foundation of contemporary mathematics learning. It is noted that many of the concepts Professor Polya shared with the handbook writing committee were incorporated in descriptions of what constitutes high quality programs. (MP)