These proceedings contain three reports of improvement programs designed to help students to succeed in large urban school systems. In the first report, the "Achievement Goals Program" (AGP) is described as a highly structured, objective based instructional program in reading and mathematics carried out for the purpose of reducing racial isolation in San Diego, California, public schools. The design, instructional techniques and activities of the program, which includes grades K-6, as well as student achievement data are discussed. The second report examines the objectives and strategies of various New York City school improvement programs. Areas considered include administrative style, school climate, teacher expectations, and assessment procedures. Also discussed is the promotional policy of the New York City school system, as implemented in exemplary reading, mathematics and writing programs. The third report describes the objectives, rationale, and outcomes of "Mission Excellence," a diagnostic-perscriptive approach to individualized instruction carried out in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania public secondary schools. Criteria that will be used to evaluate this program are also discussed, as are guidelines for implementing such an approach. (JCD)