The National Coalition for an Urban Children's Agenda (NCUCA) is an association of 10 organizations that are concerned with the plight of urban children and families. This statement represents the results of a year's debate and discussion drawing on the experience of staff members of these organizations. It is argued that America's education and social service systems are failing to serve children effectively, not because of short-sighted administrators or incompetent workers, but because of the sheer magnitude of the problems facing them. Framing a children's agenda means recognizing that a comprehensive and collaborative approach to problems is necessary. Urban policymakers, service providers, and educators cannot work in isolation from families, communities, and state structures and have any hope of solving the problems that currently plague urban areas. Essential elements of an agenda will include the following: (1) defined goals; (2) defined and measurable outcomes; (3) appropriate assessments; (4) incentives for progress and consequences (or sanctions) for failure; (5) staff development; (6) sufficient resources; and (7) appropriate governance. Sustained change will require carefully designed legislation, regulations, and administrative actions with the force of law. A checklist of these points is provided for policymakers. A separately published four-page executive summary precedes the full report. A list of 10 references and a summary of related national efforts are appended. (SLD)