This report on the educational concerns of blacks is part of a four-part study of minority education in the United States by the National Education Association (NEA). Data were gathered from four site visits to urban schools and from the testimony of 40 representatives of community and civil rights organizations, the business community, black parents, sororities and fraternities, black educators, and educators of black children. The following challenges are cited: (1) high dropout and teenage pregnancy rates; (2) financially poor and segregated schools; (3) lack of early intervention programs; (4) limited support systems and positive role models for blacks in general and black males in particular; (5) shortage of college scholarships; (6) shortage of black teachers; (6) inappropriate testing; (7) racial discrimination; and (8) poverty. Recommendations for NEA policy in the following areas are outlined: (1) students; (2) curriculum and teaching; (3) teacher/school personnel; (4) parents/family/community; (5) employment; (6) collaboration/coalition building; (7) legislation/policy; and (8) leadership training. The appendices comprise a list of site visits and witnesses, and a list of instructional goals. (FMW)