An in-depth analysis is presented of four secondary social studies departments that have made structural changes in school organization while promoting higher order thinking. In these departments, certain organizational structures, combined with clear curricular emphases, appear to be associated with higher levels of classroom thoughtfulness. (SLD)

The origin of the idea of systemic educational reform is traced, placing the concept within the context of educational developments in the 1980s and 1990s. How systemic reform is being interpreted and applied by analysts and policymakers today is explored. Systemic reform should be a useful step toward genuine improvement. (SLD)

The difficulties of school restructuring are demonstrated in a three-year evaluation of the Annie E. Casey Foundation's five-year New Futures Initiative. New Futures attempts to improve the life chances of disadvantaged youth by promoting change in schools and other youth-serving agencies in four cities. (SLD)