The four Special Emphasis Elementary Schools in the Corpus Christi Independent School District have markedly increased students' achievement, particularly in reading and language arts. This study was conducted to determine the perceived impact of the Special Emphasis (SE) components and to aid in the implementation of future SE schools. The evaluation team interviewed all teachers and staff in the four schools as well as a sample of parents. Results of the interviews indicated that the quality of the staff and the highly structured nature of the reading program are perceived as critical to the schools' success. Together these factors created a positive school atmosphere in which teachers and staff communicated their high expectations to pupils, worked well together to coordinate the learning experience and meet pupils' needs, and showed concern for pupils' interests. This, coupled with administrative leadership and the assistance of support personnel, created a situation which motivated students to behave in a manner conducive to learning. The report's main sections cover: (1) study method; (2) data sources; (3) results; and (4) conclusions. A list of references is provided and appendices contain the interview questions and responses. (PS)