Speeches, panel discussions, and a debate from the 1981 Oklahoma Conference on Education are presented. The topics of the speeches are: (1) administrative decision making in institutions of higher education and the effects of state legislation (Barbara Uehling); (2) experiences of an American hostage in Iran and subsequent feelings about the American education system (William F. Keough); and (3) the financial status and local concerns of school districts (Vincent Reed). Excerpts from panel discussions are included, which deal with: (1) ad valorum taxes in Oklahoma; (2) educating the nontraditional student; (3) state government-mandated curriculum; (4) federal role in education; (5) achieving sex equity in education; (6) students' perspectives on high school and adult education; (7) the image of public education as presented in the media; (8) the role of education in economic development; and (9) staff development and teacher orientation. A debate on the merits of tuition tax credits versus a voucher system is included. Brief statements from Governor George Nigh, Senator Roger Randle, and Representative Jim Fried precede the conference material. (FG)