The ongoing dilemma for those expected to improve schools is how to meet our society's basic aims for public education in ways that level the playing field. The dilemma is exacerbated by the need to do more with less. This brief approaches these matters in the context of three direct functions that are essential to school improvement: (1) facilitation of learning and development, (2) addressing barriers to learning and teaching, and (3) managing resources and school governance. The emphasis is on the short shrift given in school improvement planning to developing a unified and comprehensive system for addressing barriers to learning and teaching. In particular, the brief outlines what is involved in transforming current student and learning supports into such a system, highlights pioneering work underway across the country, and cites resources for moving forward. An appendix presents: "Pioneering Initiatives are Underway!" (Contains 1 exhibit.)