Written on the premises that long-term economic growth is tied directly to the performance of public education and that the U.S. educational system is in crisis, this book encourages increased business involvement in a community-wide response to improve education at all levels. Chapter I offers an overview of contemporary educational problems in terms of enrollment, expenditures and financing; State and local roles in education; general causes for concern; why business involvement is needed; the new realities; meeting the needs of students and employees; teenage and adult illiteracy; and future trends in American education. Chapter II summarizes the findings of some of the major national reports on education: A Nation at Risk; Action for Excellence; Academic Preparation for College; Making the Grade; A Study of High Schools; America's Competitive Challenge; High School: A Report on Secondary Education in America; and A Place Called School. The third chapter summarizes several ways in which the business community is working with education groups to improve the local systems. Examples of statewide activities are given, local activities such as job assistance and volunteer classroom instruction are noted, public-private partnerships for strengthening education are described, and a representative sample of Chamber of Commerce activities is listed. The final chapter, Chapter IV, suggests additional actions business leaders and their organizations may take to enhance their communities' educational achievements. The appendices include a list of contacts at the national level who can provide assistance, and list pertinent national statistics. (RDN)