The inadequacy of the American public school system can only be remedied by an opportunity to make radical changes in educational techniques and institutions. It is the elected official, not the educator, who makes the basic educational policy that is mediocre and rigid. Most educators have had little experience with developing a cohesive program using modern technology and materials. A systems analysis approach to the present problems could be of value. Individually prescribed instruction (with clearly defined goals) might be a legitimate strategy. Regional educational laboratories and a national organization for educational development could help systematize and distribute information on innovations in learning techniques. To be effective these institutions must be willing to try unfamiliar approaches and to continually review the accepted methods and standards. Appended to this essay are: a list of extant regional educational laboratories; a short paper on their accomplishments in computer and non-computer technology, and computer administrative technology; and a paper on the Research for Better Schools, Inc. (RBS) approach to automated learning. (JY)