This House committee staff report concerns the impact of educational policies and practices on at risk students and minority teachers. These two groups have been adversely affected by rapid changes in education. Demands for higher standards and expectations have not been matched with adequate resources to meet the special needs of these students and teachers. Major research in this area is reviewed. Issues that underlie this topic are the following: (1) the organization of schooling into elementary and secondary levels; (2) restructuring the high school; (3) how reform affects disadvantaged students; (4) the effective schools movement; (5) the teacher shortage; (6) teacher testing policies; and (7) reform of the teaching profession. The report, "A Nation at Risk," is discussed in the context of educational reform. Several instructional programs that are research-based and that have worked for all types of students are described. Cooperative learning, peer teaching, and writing programs have improved student achievement. Teacher development programs in which teachers are meaningfully involved are encouraged. Legislators and policymakers are called upon to address issues of educational reform. (VM)