With the release of "A Nation at Risk" in 1983, Americans focused on the report's declaration of "a rising tide of mediocrity" in the schools, which suggested unacceptable results in the education of America's children and youth. Concurrent to the missives levied at schools' lack of progress with academics and other education-specific goals, policy makers and researchers also have questioned the nation's commitment to the health of its children. With the publication of "Healthy People 2000" (1990) attention was drawn to the dramatic and unmet health needs of preschool-aged youngsters. Spurred by these and other reports, school staff are reassessing traditional methods of doing business and are implementing innovations designed to produce a nation of "world-class citizens." The following topics are examined: (1) education reform; (2) health care reform; (3) human services reform: services integration; (4) legislative/policy responses to social reform; (5) Goals 2000: Educate America Act; (6) Improving America's Schools Act (IASA); (7) Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA); and (8) Healthy People 2000. Psychologists, as experts in education, health, and human services, have a responsibility to lend their skills and leadership to this challenge. Contains 28 references. (JBJ)