Efforts focused on improving quality processes based upon the Malcolm Baldrige Education Criteria for Performance Excellence may hold promise for fundamentally improving K-12 education. This policy report examines the information available on improving school quality through implementation of the Baldrige criteria. It provides a snapshot of what is currently known about the application and effectiveness of Baldrige criteria in K-12 education and is intended to (1) provide useful information to educational practitioners, policymakers, and researchers about the concepts and current state of Baldrige applications in K-12 education; and (2) make specific recommendations to each group regarding potential Baldrige K-12 implementation, evaluation, and research. This report initially provides an overview of the quality movement as it first emerged in industry and a description of the Baldrige Award process. It then focuses on the adaptation of the Baldrige Model, as well as similar quality processes, to K-12 education. Included are discussions of Baldrige core elements and values as related to the educational process. The report then describes the implementation of Baldrige, TQM (Total Quality Management), and quality processes in the schools, Baldrige studies, and current large-scale Baldrige efforts. It concludes with a series of recommendations regarding Baldrige implementation, evaluation, and research for educators, policymakers, and researchers.