This paper urges states to continue to press for excellence in education by making teachers partners in school improvement. It explains what research indicates are the next steps that policymakers can take to affect student achievement. It notes that policymakers must acknowledge the school as the locus of change and teachers as the bridge between state actions and classroom changes. Teachers, who know firsthand what is needed to improve schools, could lead to a renaissance in teaching and to real gains in student achievement. (JD)