This report reviews literature and presents evidence and findings from empirical studies and syntheses that encompass a wide range of contexts and topics relating to school effectiveness. The body of the report is arranged in seven sections. The introduction discusses the need for effective schools, and the concepts of effectiveness, efficiency, and quality, with a note on the methodology of school-effectiveness research. Section 2 presents evidence on a range of specific interventions: multigrade schools, preprimary education, school physical facilities, interactive radio instruction, textbooks and materials, and health. Section 3 looks at some curriculum and assessment issues: the relation of curriculum content to economic growth, vocational education, and examination reform. In section 4, factors influencing teacher effectiveness are considered. Section 5 presents evidence from general studies and reviews of school effectiveness in developing countries. Section 6 summarizes some relevant research from developed countries. Finally, Section 7 is devoted to policy implications. Appendix A is an extract from the Terms of Reference, and Appendix B is a table illustrating educational efficiency in developing countries. (Contains 57 references.) (RT)