Findings of a study that explored focus group participants' views on public schools and Kentucky's recent education reform efforts are presented in this document. In May 1992, 7 focus groups, with a total of 70 participants, were conducted at 6 locations throughout Kentucky. Three groups consisted of citizens who were not public school employees, two consisted of small-business owners and managers, and two included only teachers. Some of the findings demonstrate support for the state's educational reform. Many people are inclined to support reform and value education highly, and even opponents recognize it as a force with staying power. Some elements of reform are based on philosophies that appeal to Kentuckians, and no major concern is brewing about taxes to support reform. However, there are reasons for concern. A sizable number of Kentuckians have formed negative opinions about some key element of reform, and many see it as externally imposed. Citizens and educational policymakers disagree on appropriate education practices and differ in their expectations of change. A conclusion is that the Kentucky Education Reform Act is not in immediate danger but neither is it in prime condition. The greatest difficulties stem from the many new ideas that reform embodies and the gap between education experts' understanding and citizens' and teachers' understandings of those new ideas. Two important factors are the legislature's ongoing strong support and the increase in successful reform implementation. Appendices contain information on methodology, demographic characteristics, and priority assigned to public issues. (LMI)