This report presents the results of a 5-year study conducted by governors and other state and local policymakers on education reform. It is intended for a general audience and offers advice on what it takes to implement comprehensive school reforms. The document elaborates on five lessons learned in implementing comprehensive school reform: (1) comprehensive school reform changes the way schools, districts, and states do business; (2) legislative leadership sets the tone; (3) state education department support is key to long-term success; (4) teachers make or break comprehensive school reform; and (5) evaluation of results--early and often--is critical. The text focuses on the dramatic difference between comprehensive reforms and piecemeal improvement strategies that have long dominated education. It stresses the importance of district support in any reform, emphasizing the importance of finding a strong match between schools and reform models and the need to create stability in schools in spite of administrative changes. The document illustrates the benefits of union support and professional development, and the importance of showing parents, teachers, and students positive results. It states that comprehensive reforms will keep state leaders on the mark as regards education issues, will create savvy consumers, and will balance supply and demand in education. (Contains 36 references.) (RJM)