For all students to become responsible citizens and productive workers, the nature of "effective learning" and the characteristics of schools providing it must change. This report reviews the value and potential of various proposals to change the instruction of at-risk students from a pedagogy of minimal basic skills to a pedagogy of learning that is critical, diagnostic, adaptable, and long-lasting. The report categorizes restructuring efforts, identifies elements within each category, and discusses how their restructuring could lead to improved learning for all students. The first of three sections examines state school restructuring efforts. The second section reviews district level initiatives, and the third section outlines several restructuring projects promoted by national organizations and individuals. The sections discussing state and district initiatives focus on four educational variables: (1) school governance changes, involving decentralization of authority to the school site and flexible enrollment options; (2) the nature and organization of curriculum and instruction, or efforts to provide a creative, flexible, and challenging education for all students; (3) new professional roles for educators; and (4) accountability emphasizing performance-based outcomes. An appendix includes a policy statement and lists principles for change and enabling strategies for states. (63 references) (MLH)