Re:Learning, a major national effort to redesign the total school system, is grounded in the belief that school renewal efforts must focus on schooling's primary purpose--to help all students learn to use their minds well. In July and August 1989, 13 focus groups were convened in Colorado for the Education Commission of the States' Re:Learning effort. The focus groups, comprised of 3 to 12 people from various interest groups living in the Denver area, met to discuss: (1) how people react to terms used in Re:Learning and other school reform efforts; (2) barriers to effective learning and improved education for children; (3) how and by whom these barriers can be overcome; and (4) how responsible parties might be motivated to improve education. Aside from the findings described in this report for each topic, three important perspectives permeated the discussions: each group felt somewhat isolated or even excluded from the education loop; each group felt a sense of powerlessness; and the groups did not clearly see how their possible actions fit together with those of others. The focus group led to three major conclusions: educational change cannot occur without widespread cooperation; extensive and effective communications are essential; and the group process is a valuable way to inform people about Re:Learning. Three appendices explain Re:Learning, detail focus group activities, and list participants. (MLH)

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