In the wake of the controversial first wave of education reform that swept the United States during the 1980s, observers are beginning to see an incipient second wave. However, in contrast to the marginal changes that dominated the education reform scene of the 1980s, the current wave is propelled by a long-term plan of fundamental, structural improvement. Instead of merely modifying the existing educational system, reformers are calling for a revolutionary restructuring of the education enterprise. Education Reform in the '90s is a contributed work written by leading educators, under the joint auspices of the Educational Excellence Network of Vanderbilt University and the National Conference of State Legislatures. It provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the new restructuring phenomenon and places it in the context of the history of American education and its previous cycles of reform.

It is intended for everyone interested in improving the educational system, including state legislators, school administrators, professors, parents, and concerned citizens. The nine chapters of the book are divided into five sections that explore the major issues in education reform. The Changing Nature of School Reform is a broad look at the new wave of reforms, focusing on four major issues: school-based management, voice/choice, teacher empowerment, and "teaching for understanding." Revamping the System focuses on key policy questions related to fundamental restructuring. This section guides educators and policymakers through the major steps of designing and implementing a complex reform package, while cautioning against common pitfalls. Examples of restructuring efforts in Chicago and San Diego are also included in this section. Accountability for Results discusses the new shift in education reform from focusing on educational processes to emphasizing improvements in outcomes.

South Carolina and California are shown as examples of states that have implemented radical reform in their assessment and accountability systems. On the Home Front explores state policies intended to empower parents to play a more effective role in their children's education. New Reforms, New Politics discusses how new reforms responding to persistent public pressure for improvement are challenging established methods and changing the political dimension of education reform.