The United States is now experiencing a new wave of immigrants, which is expected to increase as a result of the North American Free Trade Agreement. Schools, particularly those in five states, are facing great challenges in their efforts to meet the educational needs of immigrant students, most of whom speak different languages and are poor. When school systems are unprepared for this influx, teachers and administrators feel overwhelmed and become defeatist. In order to provide the best instruction for all students, school personnel must have adequate knowledge and resources and must be able to rid themselves of negative stereotypes and expectations. Successful immigrant student programs emphasize student orientation to school and society, bilingual instruction, specialized instructional techniques, low student/teacher ratio, a wide range of support services, comprehensive staff development, multicultural education, and supportive environments. This article presents a framework for equity and excellence outlining aspects of school effectiveness correlates: (1) instructional leadership; (2) instructional focus; (3) safe and orderly school climate; (4) high student expectations; (5) monitoring and measuring progress; and (6) parent and community support. (SV)