Beginning with the fundamental and essential question, "How do we improve schools?" prominent education theorists and practitioners examine the imperative of education reform. They confront and analyze the pressing need for effective, systematic ways to improve education in order to ensure competent students and graduates, and they offer numerous innovative ideas and models for reform. The discussions in this book are the fruits of the 1992 Milken Family Foundation National Educator Awards Retreat. Committed to recognizing the contributions of educators, the annual conference advances professional development and celebrates-publicly-professional achievement. Addressed in this volume are such urgent and far-reaching issues as enrichment versus remedial strategies for at-risk students; educators' responses to extra-education demands; creative leadership among practitioners; and the crucial role of educator awards. Practitioners, policymakers, and anyone wanting to stay current with the state of American education will find this useful and valuable reading.

Preface -- Introduction -- The Economic Context of Education Reform -- Whither Education Reform? -- Beyond Remediation: Toward Acceleration for All Schools -- Keynoters and Award Recipients: An Open Exchange -- Teacher Leadership for Creating Innovative Schools -- Creating Innovative Schools: An Open Exchange -- School Reform: A Conversation with America's Educators -- The Practitioner: Creative Leadership and Impact -- Improving America's Schools: A Call to Leadership -- Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award Recipients 1987-1991*