This report presents research findings and action steps drawn from policies and practices that have been shown to be critical to the success of educational reforms at the local, district and state levels. The report focuses specifically on recommendations that address the following topics: (1) Coordinating state, city and district policies; (2) Turning around the lowest-performing schools--the role of district leaders; (3) Turning around the lowest-performing schools--the role of the principal; (4) Preparing and developing effective school leaders; and (5) Expanding opportunities for out-of-school learning. (Contains 30 footnotes.)