This planning guide begins with a working definition of "magnet school" and then gives short descriptions of six sample types of elementary level magnet programs: a fundamental or academic prep school, a Montessori school, a music academy, an earth science school or environmental center, a bilingual-multicultural magnet, and a fine arts academy. This is followed by materials, organized under the headings "objectives,""activities," and "evidence of effort," on developing a plan to organize and implement magnet schools so as to fulfill Board of Education goals, select staff, enroll students, develop an effective school, set achievement standards, and involve parents. A final section offers advice about designing an evaluation of a magnet program. A bibliography lists helpful sources of information about magnet schools. (CMG)