The broad question addressed is whether the Upper Midwest needs a new regional educational laboratory and, if so, why and where and for whom? Conclusions were reached after a sampling of deans of education, chief state school officers, classroom teachers, National Institute of Education staff members, local superintendents, and other knowledgeable persons was interviewed. The author concludes that the region is not really ripe for a full-scale laboratory. He further recommends that, rather than conduct a round of hearings on the need for a laboratory, it would be more constructive to assemble representative chief education officers, deans and presidents of universities, and teacher organization leaders to discuss the options with them. Such a group could elect to form a planning council or a regional council with an explicit problem-solving agenda for a period of 18 months and a very limited staff and budget. If there were to be a laboratory for the region, it could evolve out of such a council and would have a very explicit sense of mission and a precedent for participatory decision-making. (Author/IRT)