Enactment of South Carolina's Education Improvement Act of 1984 taught several lessons about successful education reform. The law provides for raising student performance by increasing academic standards; strengthening the teaching and testing of basic skills; elevating the teaching profession; improving leadership, management, and fiscal efficiency; implementing quality controls and rewarding productivity; creating more effective partnerships among schools, parents, community, and business; providing school buildings conducive to improved student learning; and providing the financial support needed to improve schools. During the year required to prepare the law and obtain its passage, those involved in the reform effort ascertained that (1) educators need to learn how to work with and how to appreciate the private sector; (2) the education "family" must develop common purposes and put aside differences; (3) the public will support increased taxation if convinced school improvements will occur; (4) the governor's office and the state department of education must cooperate; (5) reform requires added effort from everyone; (6) implementation of reform is a continuing process of which enacting legislation is only a first step; and (7) comprehensive reform produces a positive spirit featuring renewed vigor and public confidence in the potential of the state's school system. (PGD)