This report assesses where America's Great City Schools (GCS) were on the National Urban Education goals in 1996-97 and how they compared to where they were in 1990-91. The National Urban Education Goals address the unique and pressing needs of urban schools and provide an enabling set of targets on the way toward achieving national goals. This report is the third in a series started nearly 10 years ago. It is unique from the others in that it contains only district profiles. The eight urban education goals around which this report is based are: readiness to learn; increased graduation rates; improved academic achievement; quality teachers; postsecondary opportunities; safe and caring environment; equitable and adequate funding; and increased parental involvement. The study finds that, in general, most of the nation's major urban public school systems have improved. The report presents overall findings for each of the eight urban education goals, then provides district-by-district profiles which focus on each of the eight goals, student demographics, system characteristics, and funding. A summary profile of the Great City Schools and a comparable national profile are also provided. (SM)