A program description and supporting materials of the San Diego County (California) Effective Schools Program are presented. The program involves a three-phase, research-based process for improving effectiveness at the school site. The phases are: assessment, planning, and implementation. Following an overview of the program, the steps involved in each phase are detailed. Reproducible visual masters and comments on each master are provided for seven areas which have been identified by research as characteristics of effective schools: (1) safe and orderly environment; (2) clear school mission; (3) instructional leadership; (4) high expectations; (5) opportunity to learn and student time-on-task; (6) frequent monitoring of student progress; and (7) home-school relations. A four-page brochure for schools which explains the program is included. This document was selected by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Task Force on Public Confidence as descriptive of a promising practice or exemplary project worthy of highlighting for the California educational community. (DC)