As mandated by Congress, this annual report from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) describes its activities in the past fiscal year (FY). Secretary of Education, T. H. Bell, summarizes ED accomplishments in FY 1983 in such areas as excellence in education, citing the findings and impact of the report "A Nation at Risk"; the implementation of higher standards for the performance of all personnel; debt collection; prevention and reduction of fraud, waste, and mismanagement; regulation reform; reduction of reporting requirements and paperwork; civil rights; education and work; passage of tuition tax credits; student financial aid; and special student populations. Following a chart showing ED organization, activities of the Under Secretary's office are outlined, as are operations in the ED offices for Management; Planning, Budget and Evaluation; and Intergovernmental and Interagency Affairs. Next the ED Inspector General's office reviews its audit and investigative actions. Also reporting on their programs are the ED offices for Elementary and Secondary Education, Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Bilingual Education and Minority Languages Affairs, Vocational and Adult Education, Postsecondary Education, Educational Research and Improvement, Civil Rights, General Legal Counsel, and Legislation and Public Affairs. A brief appendix lists the ED advisory councils and committees, and boards and commissions for October 1, 1982-September 30, 1983. (MLF)