This report, intended for teachers, administrators, school board members, parents, community leaders, and other concerned leaders, provides a rationale for the restructuring of elementary school education and makes specific recommendations for realizing that vision. The introduction discusses the need for educational changes in light of developments in cognitive psychology , a service- and technology-driven global economy, and a diverse student population. Chapter 1 deals with the concept of the new thinking curriculum and illustrates how it can be incorporated into the four disciplines of language arts, mathematics, history-social science and science as well as character education. Chapter 2 identifies instructional practices that can be implemented in the classroom to hasten the transition to the thinking curriculum. Chapter 3 considers ways of supporting the growth of teaching as a profession to improve elementary schools. Chapter 4 focuses on development of an assessment system consistent with the new thinking curriculum. Chapter 5 emphasizes the creation of a learning environment involving students, parents and teachers in a partnership. Chapter 6 considers the physical and emotional needs of children, discussing coordination of human services to ensure the fulfillment of these needs. The last chapter addresses the role of administrators in improving the elementary schools. An appendix acknowledging the members of the Task Force is included. (BAC)