Recommendations presented to the Southern Regional Education Board by its Task Force on Higher Education and the Schools, as a comprehensive program to improve the quality of teaching and learning at all education levels, are reviewed. Priorities fall into three major areas: improving the quality of teachers and other school personnel, improving the curriculum at the secondary and postsecondary levels, and coordination between the sectors of education. Recommendations about teachers and other school personnel deal with their selection, certification, preparation, and continuing education. Recommendations regarding curriculum call for higher academic standards in high schools and colleges, as well as improving the preparation of youth for work. Recommendations for joint action by the agencies and institutions that govern and deliver education in the region are made, since their cooperation is essential if the recommendations are to be implemented. Financial implications of the recommendations are also considered. Among the specific recommendations are the following: states should apply selection procedures throughout the entire process of preparing teachers (rather than at the end point only), starting with tighter admission standards and ending with performance evaluation of all beginning teachers; in each state, the ongoing evaluation of teacher education programs should be a joint activity of the state higher education board and of the state board of education; and the states should modify their certification regulations and remove rigid and unnecessary requirements. (SW)