The Department's visits to schools in the early stages of implementing entire school reform strategies reveal great enthusiasm and energy surrounding the Comprehensive School Reform Demonstration program -- a promising sign and testament to the commitment of educators across the country to helping all students meet high standards for learning. The "CSRD in the Field" initiative is one way in which the U.S. Department of Education is working to support effective comprehensive reform efforts by developing supportive relationships with states, districts, and schools, and by helping to collect and disseminate useful information on the program. We hope that these early observations can assist states, districts, and schools to foresee the opportunities and challenges inherent in undertaking research-based, schoolwide improvements.
