Six articles by Lynn Olson, published in various issues of "Education Week" starting in January 1993 and ending May 1995, describe a Maryland project to improve elementary education in the State: (1) "Winning NASDC (New American Schools Development Corporation) Project Takes Flight" (the basic skills children need to succeed in elementary school and a redesigned curriculum setting forth high standards in English, mathematics, science, history, and geography); (2) "For Maryland Reform Project, World Becomes Lab" (attempts to integrate concepts from science, geography, government, and history into new curricula); (3) "Math Project Takes Wings" (project designed to move students beyond rote application of basic skills); (4) "Family Ties" (family-support team at every school, school-based health clinics, and after-school tutors); (5) "Ready to Soar" (how much schools in St. Mary's County (Maryland) have changed); and (6) "Scaling Up the Design" (the project is about to be implemented nationwide). (MAH)