In the course of developing and passing the South Carolina Education Improvement Act of 1984, those behind the legislative effort observed that several factors affect successful educational reform. First, reform must be comprehensive. The 1984 act has provisions relating to academic standards, basic skills, instructional improvement, administration, community relations, school facilities, financial support, compensatory education, incentive programs, leadership training, governance, and evaluation. Second, reform is a political, consensus-building process. The South Carolina reform required the involvement of the governor and state superintendent, blue ribbon committees of state leaders, educators and educational associations, state organizations, and an informed public. Third, private sector support is indispensable. The South Carolina business community participated in the reform process, organizing several support activities. Finally, implementation problems must be anticipated and planned for, and those who helped enact the legislation must be kept involved. Among the problems anticipated in South Carolina were how to establish reasonable public expectations, assemble adequate technical assistance for local schools, monitor implementation, maintain popular support, assist local districts, improve teacher education, and coordinate all reform efforts. (PGD)