The study of language variation has brought linguists closer to some of the problems which concern our schools, namely, the teaching of reading, writing, and speaking. Through variability studies, answers can be found to questions about how to delimit styles, how to effect acceptability in school writing and talking, how to appreciate the dynamics of variation in the language of others, how to sequence language materials, how people set themselves off from each other through language, or how subtle variation between spoken and written language forms can cause problems in composition and reading. Information about language variation may be used to help rethink the education of teachers, the development of instructional materials and techniques, and the building of educational programs of various sorts. Linguists must try to gain influence within the field of education if they want to participate in effective educational planning. Three plans are suggested by which linguists can work for change from within the existing education system: (1) infiltration, (2) the jealousy motif, and (3) management control. The study of variation will also help to broaden the training programs of linguistics students, thereby providing them with more versatility as they approach the job market. (Author/PM)