This report presents a comprehensive plan to improve teaching and learning in New York State's public and private schools. After surveying school improvement efforts since 1977, characteristics of New York education, and the state Board of Regents' recent goals review, the report states the regents' goals underlying this action plan. These learning objectives, to be accomplished jointly by families, schools, and community organiztions, center on preparing students for rigorous life challenges while accommodating individual differences and developing students' self-direction; they stress language as basic to all learning. The next section outlines principles and instructional requirements of the plan; the latter are categorized as (1) course requirements for graduation, (2) course content and objectives, (3) competency and knowledge examinations, (4) personnel standards, and (5) procedures for school assessment and for student guidance and discipline. Thirty pages of charts then detail existing and proposed instructional requirements. Following these are summaries of actions proposed to improve instruction and the overall school environment. Three items are appended: an implementation schedule for 1984-1990; an explanation and sample forms of a proposed school assessment report; and a summary of existing and proposed exams and program evaluation instruments. (MCG)