This report compares elementary and secondary schools in the United States to schools in 11 other countries. It analyzes the role of schools in preparing students either to continue their education or to enter the labor force. It addresses such questions as "Are there more children in poverty in the United States than in other countries?" and "What percentage of students speak a language other than English at home and how does this compare to other countries?" The report tries to connect selected educational inputs, such as teacher training and educational expenditures, to student outcomes, such as achievement and labor force participation. The document is divided into four sections. The first two chapters describe inputs into the elementary/secondary education system with chapter 2 describing the background characteristics of students, such as poverty level and language skills. Chapter 3 focuses on the financial inputs that countries provide for their education systems, and compares these inputs across countries. Chapter 4 analyzes the results of recent international assessments in mathematics, science, and reading; compares them across countries; and relates them to certain teaching practices and student attitudes. Chapter 5 examines the success of the elementary and secondary education system in preparing students for the future. (Contains an index, technical notes, a glossary, 73 figures, and 78 data tables.) (RJM)