A study was made of 24 compensatory education-funded schools in which children achieved high scores in reading and mathematics. The study sought to identify effective educational practices in seven criteria areas: (1) site leadership; (2) academic emphasis; (3) instructional effectiveness; (4) school/classroom environment; (5) continuing monitoring; (6) parent/community support; and (7) auxiliary staff support. Individual descriptions are given of the schools, based on a narrative report and objective information gathered by a three-person team that visited each school. Each description includes a school profile and identifies the most effective practices in terms of the seven identified criteria. While the effective practices are not described in detail, an overall picture is presented of what works in a particular school situation and might work in other, similar situations. (JD)