New American Schools (NAS) is a coalition of several partners dedicated to supporting innovative, successful schools throughout the country. The partners include the Education Commission of the States, the New American Schools Development Corporation, the seven NAS design teams, the RAND corporation, and various school districts and states. This publication presents findings of a study that examined the reactions of parents, teachers, and students to the various principles and practices included in the New American Schools designs. Data were derived from a telephone survey of 2,700 parents in 7 of the cities and states in which the NAS effort was initially concentrated (San Diego, California; the state of Kentucky; the state of Maryland; Cincinnati, Ohio; Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Seattle, Washington) and from focus group interviews with parents, teachers, and one group of students. Findings indicate that parents and teachers are enthusiastic about the basic ideas of education-reform proposals; are hesitant to believe that ideas for reform can become a reality; have different views about when teachers' professional development should happen and who should pay; believe that student evaluation should combine a variety of approaches; agreed that accountability for student success rests on parents and students as well as educators; and believe that parental involvement is necessary for educational improvement. Additionally, parents rely on teachers and students for information about education; desire change, but disagree sharply over how much and what kind; believe that public schools are on the wrong track, even in their own communities; and want higher standards, while teachers are less sure. (LMI)