The School Effectiveness Structural Components Inventory (SESCI) was designed to assess structural elements in a school environment that contribute to effectiveness. The preliminary validation took place in 12 elementary schools in or near a large metropolitan school district. The schools were classified by overall school socioeconomic status, as well as by achievement results in reading and mathematics on the Comprehensive Tests of Basic Skills and the Kentucky Essential Skills Test. Third and fifth grade test scores were included in the analyses. SESCI was administered to teams of elementary school teachers and administrators; completion required about 2 hours. SESCI is a 7-point rating scale assessing 13 structural components of school improvement: mission and goals; staff development; inservice education; principal's role; program planning; curriculum, instruction, and testing alignment; instructional time; safe and orderly environment; evaluation methods; curriculum materials files; academic team games; rewards; and parent and community support. Test reliability was acceptable for six of the scales. Analyses revealed no significant correlations between the SESCI scales and socioeconomic status or achievement; thus SESCI did not do what it was intended to do. However, the instrument was useful for self-assessment purposes. Suggestions for further improvements were made. (GDC)