In 1977 the Dallas Independent School District devised a 5-year state-mandated improvement plan for increasing student test scores in priority goal areas. This paper describes the planning process as it evolved, the problems faced by large districts, and the 5-year student achievement results. The original plan contained eight priority goal areas, accompanied by goal indicators. These goals, as well as sample formats for learning objectives, were placed in accountability notebooks and given to 400 building administrators. In 1978-79, 177 improvement plans were submitted, only 63 of which were deemed adequate. Goal areas were reduced the following year and planning guidelines revised. Submitted plans showed a marked improvement. 1980-81 represented a major step forward. Guidelines became more specific, and monitoring greatly expanded. By the end of year 4, far fewer schools required plan implementation assistance. 1982-83 saw major revisions, among which were prototypic school improvement plans with specific instructional strategies. Project problems ranged from a lack of personnel commitment to test and scoring changes. Finally, student achievement was determined by comparing earliest test results with 1982-83 results and district objectives, the latter showing gains at every level. (KS)