Ways in which state governments can effectively deal with seriously underachieving schools are presented in this report. Governors and other state leaders are beginning to understand how important it is for students to be better prepared and that, as policymakers, they are obligated to demand accountability from students, from schools, and from districts. However, accountability for learning is difficult to implement; a good state accountability system,contains the following eight components: (1) uphold uniform state standards; (2) create consequential roles for school districts; (3) consider different schools' needs and capabilities; (4) give schools the freedom and resources they need to improve; (5) provide real assistance to low-performing schools; (6) act promptly to salvage children's opportunities; (7) provide good information to parents and citizens; and (8) do not tolerate nonperformance at the school, district, or state level. Examples of what states have done and what lessons have been learned are provided. (RJM)