All students need to develop essential academic skills and to acquire a knowledge base on which to build lifelong learning. To this end, Texas has implemented sweeping reforms of the state's public education system in the form of House Bill (HB) 72. This legislation essentially revamped every aspect of public education. This report gives a summary of HB 72, an overview of the activities of the State Board of Education and its committees, and a presentation of some of the most significant reforms as they relate to long-range goals and objectives. Goal 1 focuses on performance standards that students will be expected to meet. Goal 2 emphasizes a well-balanced curriculum allowing students to realize their learning potential. Goal 3 examines teachers and teaching, stressing competence and recruitment of qualified teachers. Goal 4 focuses on organization and management, stating that all levels of the educational system will be productive, efficient, and accountable. Goal 5 looks at the financing of public education. Goal 6 emphasizes parental and community involvement in the improvement of schools. Goal 7 investigates innovation, stressing the continual improvement of instructional programs. Goal 8 discusses consistent, timely, and effective communications among public education interests. Concluding the report are three appendices, offering a chronology of education reform, program and operating budget figures, and contact information. (WTH)