Reprints of four articles from the journal "Phi Delta Kappan" provide discussions of initial findings from "A Study of Schooling," a study of contextual variables in 38 elementary, junior high/middle, and high schools. The project had two purposes: (1) to formulate hypotheses and provide insights about schooling through indepth studies of school environments; and (2) to stimulate discussion about what goes on in schools and how schools can be improved. This document outlines the details, scope, and limitations of the study, providing background information for the other technical reports in this series. The first article, "An Overview of 'A Study in Schooling'" (EJ210983; volume 61 number 3 pages 174-78 November 1979), by John I. Goodlad, Kenneth A. Sirotnik, and Bette C. Overman, discusses the background, rationale, and methodology of the study. In the second article, "A Study of Schooling: Curriculum" (EJ211045; volume 61 number 4 pages 244-48 December 1979), by M. Frances Klein, Kenneth A. Tye, and Joyce E. Wright, the framework for investigating the impact of various curricular factors in the schools is explained. The perceptions of students are the focus of "A Study of Schooling: Students' Experiences in Schools" (EJ212375; volume 61 number 5 pages 337-40 January 1980), by Barbara J. Benhem, Phil Giesen, and Jeannie Oakes. The last article, "A Study of Schooling: Adult Experiences in Schools" (EJ215957; volume 61 number 6 pages 394-97 February 1980), by Mary N. Bentzen, Richard C. Williams, and Paul Heckman, examines the attitudes of professional school personnel in the sample schools. (FG)