Ways to promote successful reform of colleges and schools in the 1980s are discussed. Attention is focused on issues pertaining to the curriculum, the teacher, and the student. Ways that colleges can contribute to reform of the schools are also addressed. It is claimed that many students have difficulty when they must use higher-order academic skills, such as analysis, application, and problem solving. There is increasing consensus across the county regarding the high school curriculum. As standards are raised and learning outcomes are better defined, educational tests should assume a new role. Improved learning by students also requires improved teaching. Positive actions that are needed include: improved working conditions and teacher salaries; positive incentives and recognition for teaching excellence; strengthened community support for teachers and schools; more opportunity for participative decisionmaking; and better teacher supervision and evaluation. Additionally, greater understanding of today's youths and higher expectations of students are a necessary part of educational reform. Teacher preparation and promoting transition from secondary to postsecondary education are examples of ways that higher education can help the schools. (SW)