A historical review of the institutional beginnings of the Commission on the Reorganization of Secondary Education from 1912-21 is presented, with emphasis on the Commission's objectives to help the American high school become a better instrument of democracy and reflect the highest ideals of American life. In 1921, when this report was written, the Commission consisted of 16 committees and a reviewing committee. The reviewing committee had a twofold function. The first function was to formulate fundamental principles to guide the reorganization of secondary education. Its conclusions in this field were issued in a bulletin entitled "Cardinal Principles of Secondary Education." The second function of the reviewing committee was to criticize reports submitted to it by the various committees. By 1921, the commission had issued 12 reports dating back to 1915. Subject areas dealt with in these reports include: civics, social studies, English, music, physical education, moral values, vocational guidance, business education, the Cardinal Principles Report, mathematics, science, and agriculture. At the time this report was written the commission hoped to issue four reports dealing with part-time education, high school grounds and buildings, classical languages, and the reorganization of home economics. In formulating the aims of secondary education, the commission selected seven objectives: health, command of fundamental processes, worthy home membership, vocation, citizenship, worthy use of leisure, and ethical character. The commission also took a position on school admission, broadened its conceptions of secondary education to include junior high schools, and embraced the comprehensive high school. (Author/JK)