This paper is the first in a series to investigate the impact of state-of-the-art networking technologies in a reformed educational context on student learning, teacher instruction, and parental involvement. The findings presented in this report are based on standardized test results. Although the findings indicate that the reforms are having a substantial impact for all students in Union City, NJ, the role of technology is less clear. This report finds that a range of factors, both contextual and technology-facilitated, have made a difference in student performance. This report concludes with a discussion of the five elements that have been central to Union City's overall success. Contains 14 references. (ASK)