Current theory and law support a comprehensive model of school reform. The Comprehensive School Reform Demonstration Program suggests that changes in isolated parts of a system may not be linked to increases in overall achievement. A comprehensive reform program must synthesize nine essential components to improve the whole system across all the stages of reform, including adoption, initiation, implementation, and institutionalization. Successful plans employ innovative, research-based strategies and methods to enhance student learning, teaching, and school management, and to incorporate comprehensive designs in school functioning, instruction, assessment, management, and professional development. Comprehensive reform requires effective professional development programs, and includes measurable goals and performance benchmarks for student achievement. Support for reform in schools requires nurturing student, teacher, and administrator growth and involvement. Research on parental involvement suggests reforms should encourage a more substantial level of communication and engagement than in the past. Comprehensive programs utilize high-quality external support from such entities as universities with experience in schoolwide reforms and improvement. Effective reform demands adequate evaluation strategies and data collection. Meeting all the challenges posed by comprehensive school development and reform requires the coordination of material and human resources. (Discussion of each component includes a brief list of references.) (TEJ)