Facing limited financial resources and a need to encourage large-scale school improvements, state legislators are addressing selected educational problems through such policy approaches as funding experimental programs, designing incentives for school improvement, and encouraging parental involvement. Identified within this document are a number of creative legislative approaches to educational issues initiated during the 1988 National Conference of State Legislatures session; due to the high volume of state interest, six topics were chosen for discussion. First, demonstration projects, court involvement, and revocation of driving privileges are outlined as methods of solving the problem of at-risk youth. Second, early childhood education is examined as a means of placing young, at-risk students on the road to educational success. Third, student incentives and alternative certification are targeted in the effort to attract quality candidates to the teaching profession. Fourth, school policy formation and governance are mentioned. Fifth, a 1988 Colorado comprehensive school finance act is noted. And sixth, strengthening community/parental involvement through school choice and greater home schooling opportunities and expanding community participation and educational opportunities are addressed. (KM)