Will Success Spoil Success for All?

By Lynn Olson

Orlando, Fla.

How does a program dedicated to the principle that every child can succeed avoid being buried under the avalanche of its own success? That's the challenge facing Robert E. Slavin and Success for All, the elementary school reform model he launched in 1986. The program, built around the principle that every student should be a skilled reader by the end of 3rd grade, has become the darling of district superintendents and statehouse policymakers desperate to find school design models that can show results.

With more than 750 schools up and running nationwide, Slavin expects to add another 400 next year, and Success for All's revenues should double from $15 million this school year...