In this guide, the results and findings of a major survey of magnet schools are organized into a practical manual for school districts to use in planning, developing, and implementing new magnet programs or improving those already in existence. The guide is divided into three sections: (1) key steps in magnet program development (an outline of developmental steps, including a description of the options for districts and magnet schools at major decision-making points); (2) management challenges for effective magnet school programs (a description of the major challenges in magnet program development and suggested ways to meet them); and (3) summaries of magnet school program designs (a brief explanation of the curricula and characteristics of six of the magnet schools found by the survey to be most successful in desegregating and in providing quality education). (CMG)