The three conference papers presented in this document are grouped under the general heading, "Our National Dilemma," and deal with issues involved in providing disadvantaged students with a quality education. The first paper, "Building Quality Relationships" (James Comer), discusses the need to improve the quality of relationships between home and school, and between adults and children. Preschool experiences are important sources of these relationships. The black experience in America created conditions that disconnected black families from the mainstream of society, and denied many black children the kinds of preschool experiences that would allow them to succeed in school. The second paper, entitled "The Educationally Disadvantaged Are Still among Us" (Henry Levin), discusses the new reforms and the disadvantaged and the social consequences of inaction. A discussion on what needs to be done is provided, and a new approach--the establishment of Accelerated Schools for the Disadvantaged--is suggested. The third paper, "Understanding the Dimensions of Our Problem" (Samuel Betances), presents a personal account of the experiences of a black Puerto Rican in America. Educators who teach minorities from dominant/host society enclaves should focus on empowering them with job skills, and the skills to reject rejection. Businesses should sponsor evening tutoring centers for children whose parents are unable to help them at home. (BJV)