The author is a former United States Secretary of Labor who developed the Workforce 2000 project. He discusses the need for implementing this project's recommendations and reviews these recommendations. In addition, he expresses his frustration at the slow pace of change within the federal government. (CH)

No U.S. school district is world class. Radical systemic reform must (1) recognize that learning in context works; (2) assert that noncollege careers have worth; (3) raise standards and expectations. Foundation skills needed include basic, thinking, personal, resource, interpersonal, information, technology, and systems. (SK)

Three conference papers explore issues related to work and the American family. The first, by Stanley C. Gault, Chairman of th Board of the National Association of Manufacturers, discusses recent changes in business practices that accommodate changes in the structure of the modern American family. The second, by Secretary of Labor, William E.…

Reviews forecasts about demographics and the labor force in the year 2000, predicting a skill shortage rather than a labor shortage, with more unqualified people competing for the very few low-skilled jobs. Underscores education's role in reducing functional illiteracy, dropout rates, and youth unemployment. (DMM)

Discusses the role of the Secretary of Labor's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS). In light of the gap in workforce skills constraining economic growth, urges ongoing dialogue between schools and businesses, and emphasizes the need for more appropriate continuing education programs for workers. Cites examples of successful programs.…