The Arizona state legislature met from November 1979 to April 1980 for the sole purpose of restructuring and codifying rules that define school financial policy and reforming tax structures that support educational institutions. This case study investigated the role of special interest groups in shaping state educational policy at that session. Data collection activities were structured around identifying (1) the special interest groups or individuals that attempted to influence the legislature; (2) the major issues or concerns of these groups; (3) the methods of contact employed; and (4) the extent to which those individuals or groups were successful. Data were collected by means of a mail survey of all 90 state legislators and all special interest groups and by open-ended interviews with 51 legislators and 52 representatives of special interest groups. Content analysis was used to analyze the data. The demographic and economic factors that precipated the special session are explained and the policy results of the special session reviewed. The special interest groups are identified, their concerns summarized, and methods of contact and influence discussed. The conclusion states that educational policy relative to school finance in Arizona is not being shaped by any special interest groups. (Author/MLF)