Who determines the structure and content of children's learning? It is at the federal and state legislative level that the laws-of-the-land are made. Both at the federal and state levels, lawmakers have enacted legislation that has had direct effects upon students and instructional curricula. Federally sponsored programs have had great impact upon curriculum content, instructional materials, and student evaluation. There is also no discounting or minimizing the effect(s) of the courts--federal, state, and local--regarding the present-day character of schools and their curricula. In most states, the departments of education hold sway over teacher training and certification, content of instruction, and pupil attendance, among other things. School boards are empowered with certain legal authority and are charged with overseeing the operation of local level schools. Community pressure groups also affect curriculum decision-making as do special interest groups both within and without the community setting. Finally, since education is a multi-million dollar business, the private enterprise sector of our society determines the content and quality of instruction received by children. (RC)