Different aspects of an educational renewal program in Australian schools are evaluated in this volume. The Karmel Report which was concerned with detailing proposals for a new and large-scale initiative by the Federal government in the financing of primary and secondary schools in Australia is analyzed and assessed by various individuals along sociological, political, and economic dimensions. Sociological aspects dealt with include the needs of education, teachers, the public and educational change and approaches to the goal of educational equality. Political concerns looked at include autonomy and control in educational renewal and accountabilitiy in education. The macro-economics of educational renewal and finance for independent schooling are two of the economic concerns discussed. Developments subsequent to the Karmel report are analyzed and innovative programs implemented in the renewal effort are evaluated. In addition, main issues facing Australian schools five years after the initiation of the renewal effort, such as curriculum development, funding, educational goals, and the relationship between school and work, are surveyed. An extensive bibliography relating to the Australian Schools Commission is included. (EB)