The conference reported on in this volume had two tasks. One was the development of a policy oriented research agenda for the National Institute of Education (NIE) focused on the educational and occupational needs of black women. The other was the development of a broader research and policy agenda focused on issues beyond the research scope of NIE that other agencies and institutions could undertake. The conference participants were divided into two groups, one composed of practitioners and policy makers and the other of researchers. A report on each group's discussions is presented. Abstracts of conference papers, which dealt with educational, occupational, family and health concerns of black women, are presented. Research and policy recommendations arising from the discussions of the papers are outlined. Appended to the volume is a list of conference participants. (GC)