This paper uses research findings on program evaluations over the last 20 years to derive 10 "Golden Rules" that will help school districts increase student learning. Each of the rules is described and illustrated within the context of a five-part quality assurance and evaluation system of program screening, field-testing, adoption and implementation, summative evaluation, and confirmative evaluation. The rules are: (1) identify programs that are closely aligned with state and district standards; (2) identify programs that have some evidence of established validity; (3) field test all programs considered for district adoption at least 2 years before their full adoption; (4) make sure there is adequate teacher training and staff development for implementing all program components; (5) make program adoption decisions based primarily on field study results; (6) tailor the adopted program to fully comply with district requirements during the first year of implementation and purchase any needed supplemental instructional materials; (7) design an instructional verification system to accompany implementation and record the amount of instruction provided to each class, as well as each class' level of proficiency on the program outcome ; (8) review and analyze program cost, implementation, and effects data at least three times a year and develop intervention strategies to assist in problem areas; (9) produce a summative evaluation report each year; and (10) produce a confirmative evaluation report after 3 years of program implementation. (SLD)