This essay discusses impediments to student success in today's urban schools and recommends solutions for the future. The following problems are covered: (1) overcrowded classrooms; (2) student behavioral problems; (3) lack of instructional materials; (4) outdated facilities; (5) inadequate school library collections; (6) low teacher salaries; (7) availability and use of drugs; (8) family breakup; (9) lack of afterschool education programs; and (10) poverty. Solutions include the following: (1) improvement of student-teacher ratios, (2) provision of quality instructional materials; (3) newly designed flexible facilities; (4) curricular emphasis on aesthetics; (5) improvement of school library collections; (6) improvement of teachers salaries; (7) drug-free environment; (8) improved quality of urban family life; (9) afterschool education programs; and (10) elimination of poverty. The need for public support of educational financing is emphasized. A 10-item bibliography is included. (FMW)