This document presents papers from a conference called in 1983 to discuss the possible effects of the Onmibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 on the enforcement of civil rights laws affecting the education of black children, and to chart specific recommendations to guide the work of the National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI). Following a preface by Evelyn K. Moore of the NBCDI, the following papers are presented: "Excellence and Equity, Quality and Inequality" (Jean Fairfax); "Is There a Valid Link Between Testing and Placement?" (Asa G. Hilliard); "Will Competency Tests Decide the Future of Our Children?" (Richard Jefferson); "Can We Afford to Ignore Vocational Education?" (Carol Gibson); and "How Can We Advocate for Effective Schools?" (Ronald R. Edmonds). Following the papers, recommendations directed at parents, advocates, schools, and policymakers are summarized, readings are suggested, and the NBCDI Board of Directors and conference participants are listed. (KH)