This book presents an argument for school improvement and explains how it might be conducted. Three stages of evolutionary school improvement are identified and described: refinement, renovation, and redesign. It is suggested that the real task is not only innovating improvements; the real task is uniting teachers, administrators, and community members to develop an environment in which the continuous improvement of education is normal. Part 1 of this book "Realistic Idealism," explores common ideas about our schools and the problem of developing school improvement programs. Part 2, "Visions of Effective Schooling," presents a model of a school for the future and uses this model to stretch the readers' imaginations. Part 3, "Down-Home School Improvement," examines a program for school improvement based on recent research about changes in education. Some attention is given to the role of school districts and Federal and state initiatives. A bibliography and index are provided. (JD)