This book is comprised of six case studies that were commissioned by the National Center for Restructuring Education, Schools, and Teaching (NCREST) at Teachers' College, Columbia University, New York City, New York. Five elementary and one middle school from Kentucky, Florida, Indiana, South Carolina, and Maine are represented. They present a perspective of what systemic change means to different schools. Following the foreword by Seymour B. Sarason, chapter 1, "Restructuring Schools: The Dynamics of Changing Practice, Structure, and Culture," by Ann Lieberman, provides an overview of the book's themes. Chapters 2 through 7 include the case studies: (2) "With a Little Help from Their Friends: Teachers Making Change at Wheeler School" (Betty Lou Whitford and Donna M. Gaus); (3)"Fredericks Middle School and the Dynamics of School Reform" (Elizabeth Bondy); (4) "Implementing Shared Decision Making at Brooksville Elementary School" (Dorene D. Ross and Rodman B. Webb); (5) "Restructuring Schools in Hammond, Indiana" (Mark A. Smylie and Ute Tuermer); (6) "School Restructuring and Teacher Power: The Case of Keels Elementary" (Barnett Berry); and (7) "The Evolution of a Restructuring School: The New Suncook Case" (Lee Goldsberry And Others). Chapter 8, "Policy for Restructuring," by Linda Darling-Hammond, identifies the policy supports necessary for restructuring and obstacles to policy. Each chapter contains references. (LMI)