This book, one in a series which deals with perspectives of American education, discusses the purposes of the educational system, formal and informal. The purpose of the series is to help create a better understanding of the educative process and the relation of education to human affairs. In chapter one the author discusses the bedrock realities of human existence in the United States that call for a reformulation of the nation's educational purposes. Chapter two examines stages of child development and the implications for education. Chapter three discusses many situations with which people have to cope in our technological society and how education can help. Chapter four deals with work. The author looks at the job market, underemployment, work attitudes, basic skills, and continuing education. Chapter five examines leisure time activities and the satisfactions of intellectual and emotional discovery. Chapter six discusses political skills necessary for effective citizen participation in the American democratic system. The last chapter discusses retooling the schools for the future and the need for educational brokers. (Author/RM)