New Jersey's legislature, as the result of a decision by the State Supreme Court in Robinson vs Cahill, is now under order to implement the century-old provision in the State's constitution for "a thorough and efficient system of free public schools." In an effort to contribute to the resolution of the problems arising from this order, a seminar was formed consisting of specialists in educational evaluation and research, and persons in key decisionmaking positions in the State's educational structure. The author provides an interpretive report of the seminar proceedings. The report concentrates on three primary issues: (1) how the constitutional responsibilities for action at the State level can be reconciled with local control and participation, (2) what criteria the State should use to distribute funds for the support of education, and (3) the procedures by which the effectiveness of local educational systems should be evaluated. (Author/JF)