Flashback: September 1997.

(An occasional feature reconnecting readers with the magazine's subjects and individuals from 10,15 or 20 years earlier).

The magazine's first issue with a wholly new design featured a series of full-length articles on the debate over the most effective reading instruction methods. Bill Honig, former state commissioner of education in California, contributed the lead article on best practices. ... Carolyn Getridge, superintendent in Oakland, Calif., wrote about the controversy over ebonics.... William Powers, a retired superintendent, opined on what to do about committees that don't serve a useful purpose.... A Focus article headline warned: "Your Web Site Must Offer More than Fluff." ... Leadership Lite debuted on the back page with seven humorous anecdotes.