This report presents information about enrollment trends, student achievement, graduation rates, the teaching force, and school finances for elementary and secondary schools and higher education in New York State for the 1986-87 school year. Most of the data for elementary and secondary schools were drawn from the Basic Educational Data System (BEDS); data for postsecondary education was drawn from the Higher Education Data System (HEDS). Analysis reveals a bimodal public school system consisting of one largely suburban, white, affluent, and successful system; and one largely urban, minority, poor, and failing system. Topics covered include the following: (1) public education as a collaborative enterprise; (2) population characteristics; (3) enrollment trends; (4) course and program participation rates; (5) student performance; (6) attendance and high school completion; (7) postsecondary education and employment; (8) public school teachers and administrators; and (9) public school finance. Statistical data are included on 62 tables. A discussion of data sources and collection methods is also included. (FMW)