Because the quality management (QM) movement can be very important in school improvement efforts, it is essential to determine how QM can fit with relatively new restructuring ideas and whether this approach is consistent with existing school structures and processes. This book presents an integrated approach to holistic quality management that combines past QM structures and processes and empowers stakeholders and customers to assist in developing a systems approach to school improvement. The first chapter defines quality management, discusses program planning and management elements, and stresses necessary monitoring and feedback components. The second chapter identifies effective-schools correlates, suggests potential uses of correlates as cornerstones for high-quality strategic goals, and discuses ideas for designing action plans and evaluating progress. Chapter 3 defines school-based management, discusses SBM structure and processes, and emphasizes the importance of resolving decision-making authority issues. The fourth chapter defines strategic and tactical planning and describes the rationale for systematic district planning. Chapter 5 presents a matrix model that integrates key elements of quality management, effective schools, school-based management, and strategic planning into a holistic and practical improvement approach. Advantages and cautions are discussed. Each chapter offers theory-to-practice examples and concluding statements. Contains 20 references. (MLH)