A naturalistic inquiry approach was used for the collection and interpretation of information on the 138 schools in the Portland, Oregon school system. This approach was an in-person, field based, investigative method, and was nonobtrusive. Factors studied included: description of the school and its setting; the school building and facilities; school and community; school goals; administration; curriculum and instruction; support services; and student performance. There were 25 criteria for evaluating a school. These criteria covered instructional activities and grade placement; interpersonal relationships; academic achievement measures; standards for student behavior and administrative support; community, parent, and teacher participation; and adequate educational materials and physical facilities. Characteristics of the evaluators included professional experience in education; experience with teaching materials and resources; knowledge of evaluation technique; ability to function unobstrusively and to establish good rapport with staff and students; and ability to analyze data and report findings objectively. The program process involved school selection; on-site evaluation; report preparation; and report dissemination and application. (MH)