Attempts to raise student performance have focused primarily on either relationships between adults in the system or formal curriculum. Relatively ignored has been a focus on what sociologists believe is the primary relationship of consequence for student outcomes--authority relationships between students and educators. Successful school reform is akin to baking a cake: Many ingredients are needed to yield the desired outcome. An important component requires a school climate that is safe and orderly. Absent this, other school-level reforms will be ineffective.