Following an argument for improving the quality of public education to further the nation's economic growth, current educational deficiencies are analyzed and an action plan presented. Methods for implementing the following recommendations are outlined: (1) governors, state legislators, boards of education, educators, and business leaders should collaborate to develop and promptly put into effect plans for improving education in the public schools; (2) broader and more effective partnerships between educators and leaders in business, labor, science, and technology should be created for improving education statewide and locally; (3) resources essential for improving the schools should be marshalled; (4) teachers should be more highly regarded and the profession upgraded; (5) the academic experience should be intensified and made more productive, especially through firm and demanding requirements; (6) teaching and student achievement should be objectively evaluated; (7) principals' leadership and school management should be improved; (8) programs should be expanded and participation encouraged for students whose needs are presently not addressed. Various encouraging signs are cited as promising success in achieving a higher quality of education for all in addition to greater equality of educational opportunity. A list of redefined and upgraded basic skills and competencies for productive employment is appended. (MJL)