Presented in this paper is a framework to examine environmental influences on learning. The framework identifies factors from several environments--the home, the community, and the larger sociocultural context--and links them with school policy and operations. Methodological considerations important to further investigation of these environmental links are also discussed. This introductory inquiry into the topic of community influences is intended to set forth a paradigm guiding research at the University of Oregon's Center for Educational Policy and Management. To do so, research linking environmental influences to schooling and student learning is reviewed. The manner in which these influences affect school governance, student learning, and management of human resources at the school and classroom levels is explored and several theoretical approaches to studying these links are discussed. Finally questions flowing from this inquiry are proposed in the form of a research agenda. (Author/JM)