Several approaches that policymakers may wish to consider in enacting and sustaining educational excellence are summarized. This issue brief draws from presentations given at two sessions on education and excellence held at the 1983 meeting of the National Conference of State Legislatures. California's approach is highlighted, based on the assumption that a thoughtful strategy precedes successful passage of comprehensive legislation. Three other general legislative approaches to improving education are given, contrasting a strategy of centralizing state authority over the schools to one of delegating maximum responsibility locally, and concluding with some suggestions on how to strike the middle ground. (Author/MLF)