Proceedings of the University/Urban Schools Task Force conference on what works in urban schools are summarized in this report. The future direction of the Task Force, articulated by conference participants, is described as a move toward the conceptualization and design of programs to teach thinking skills versus programs that mainly teach subject content. The report also includes three conference papers discussing elements of successful urban school programs. In the first paper, Superintendent Richard Green (Minneapolis Public Schools, Minnesota) describes Minneapolis' Five-Year Plan to promote equity and excellence. The Plan emphasizes maximization of learning opportunities; staff performance appraisal; and involvement of the Board of Education, the community, and business and labor sectors in program planning and implementation. In the second paper, Superintendent Arthur Jefferson (Detroit Public Schools, Michigan) discusses his district's experience in designing and implementing two administrative staff evaluation systems, and describes seminars provided by the Detroit Public Schools Management Academy to improve administrative staff performance. In the last paper, Superintendent Ronald Stodghill (Saint Louis Public Schools, Missouri) describes the Saint Louis School Partnership Program in order to demonstrate the advantages of mutual support between schools and business, culture, and the universities in a community. (MJL)