The best guarantee that education will remain free of federal control is a new set of working principles under law that reassert the respective roles of each level of government. The federal role in education should be one of stimulation and leadership, rather than one of meddling in State affairs. Proposed new federal legislation, therefore, aims at the consolidation of several existing educational grant programs concerned primarily with education for the disadvantaged and handicapped children, and with vocational education and supporting services. Such consolidation should free States and localities from many restrictions that now inhibit their decisionmaking powers. In interpreting this and other educational legislation, the courts should bear in mind that the underlying issues of public education in America are broadly social in nature, and that there are still many unknowns in the educational area. Such issues should be approached prudently and with caution. (Author/WM)