Data for this review of Alberta, Canada's School Act by the Policy Advisory Committee for the School Act Review, included 200 written submissions from members of the public, community groups, and educational groups; oral presentations by 23 groups; discussion by committee members and others at 20 locations within Alberta; and the results of a Gallup Poll. The paper is divided into four parts: (1) the purpose of education and the role of the schools; (2) the governance of education (the roles of the province and school boards); (3) the community (the roles of students, parents, and the community); and (4) the delivery of education (the roles of superintendents, principals, and teachers). Sections within each part are introduced by a discussion summarizing submissions by community groups, research findings, the relationship of the committee's recommendations to other educational initiatives, and the legal basis for principles recommended for a new school act. This discussion is followed by broad role statements for each individual or group within the system. Next described are principles relating to each role and implications of adopting a particular principle. These principles are intended to prompt public debate and to act as a screen through which legislative proposals will be developed. Appendices include discussions of the goals of basic education in Alberta, categorization of private schools, and a management and finance plan. (CB)