This volume is part of a series of Idea Books for school-based practitioners who are implementing federal compensatory-education programs. It demonstrates how educators and their supporting communities are implementing a new vision of comprehensive school reform using the schoolwide program option available under the 1994 reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which requires states and districts to set challenging standards for what students should know and be able to do. The document was completed by consulting with successful school-based educators to learn what it takes to create outstanding schoolwide programs. The volume opens with an overview of promising practices, focusing on vision, leadership, and decision making; student performance results; research-based reform strategies; the professional learning community; parent and community partnerships; and sustaining change. It includes case studies organized by elementary and secondary schools. Examples from the primary grades describe a team approach to literacy acquisition, academic success through a full-service school, ways to ensure success for all students, and making a commitment to teacher development. The two secondary-school case studies discuss ways to prepare students for real-world experiences and how to achieve a world-class standard in a culturally diverse community. (RJM)