This book, assembled by the National Coalition of Educational Equity Advocates (NCEEA), addresses broad structural issues that can serve as the foundation for rebuilding an equitable educational system that is committed to excellence for all children. It argues that local, state, and federal governments and agencies are needed to create an integrated system of support. It also calls for national, state, and local recognition that equity is inseparable from quality in the measure of educational excellence; offers a comprehensive view of systemic change beyond the current content and performance standards; and examines several of education's structural elements of an inequitable U.S. educational system. Chapters address the following areas: the characteristics of desirable schools, opportunity-to-learn standards, school finance, family empowerment, teacher development, and student assessment. Recommendations are offered regarding the role of federal, state, and local governments and agencies. Three figures, two tables, and a list of contacts for the NCEEA Support Groups are included. (Contains 128 references.) (LMI)