Since the breakup of the Soviet Union and former Yugoslavia, Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries have engaged in education reforms based on international frameworks. One of these, the Child-Friendly Schools (CFS) approach, is distinctively grounded in the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). CFS standards are comprehensive, system-level standards that go beyond academic achievement to include all aspects of child rights. The authors explain the CFS approach; detail the strategies of a CFS standards-based system, focusing on standards; and report on CEE countries' efforts and early results as they implement child-friendly education reforms. The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) declares that all girls and boys in the world are entitled to the right to survival; the right to development (including the right to be educated); the right to protection from all forms of abuse, neglect, and exploitation; and the right to participation in matters that affect their lives and that prepare children to take on increasing roles of responsibility as they mature. (Contains 1 note.)