The views of seven urban Texas school districts with regard to educational improvement are represented in this paper. The importance of local control and a variety of program alternatives is explained. The need for tax relief in order to maintain legislatively mandated programs is discussed. Findings of two research studies with regard to assessment of student performance and socioeconomic and/or ethnic status are summarized. Conditions necessary for improved instruction, including administrator and teacher competency; priority placed on teaching basic skills; planning of instructional activities; and student and parent responsibility are outlined. The need for compensatory education programs for lower socioeconomic groups and ethnic minority students and for teacher re-education is identified. Recommendations are made concerning the role the Legislature should play in student assessment; funding compensatory education; providing resources for accountability procedures; and encouraging the development of school personnel. (WI)