Policy Briefs/IDEA

AEL systemic school reform (Mirel, 2001). In the spring of 2001, the fiveyear districtwide initiative requiring all schools to adopt whole-school reform models was discontinued; no Memphis school would be permitted to implement its model in the coming year. What happened in association with the initiative, and what lessons can be learned from the Memphis experience that might benefit all schools and school districts? This paper reviews the historical events concerning Memphis’s attainments; reports research findings that reflect changes in schools and the district over time; and finally, presents the author’s perspectives on the Memphis reform efforts. While the Memphis story may be viewed as a success by some and a failure by others, it seems critical to learn as much as possible from it to inform educational policy on comprehensive school reform and, in the process, improve future reform efforts.