While the Portuguese community, the largest ethnic group in southeastern Massachusetts, has contributed significantly to cultural life in New England, their participation in the region's educational and worklife has been minimal. This monograph examines the relationship between the socio-economic patterns that have emerged in southeastern Massachusetts and the educational characteristics of the region's Portuguese community (including Cape Verdeans, Azoreans, and Madeirans). Among other findings, the data reported show that: (1) low educational attainment levels prevail among southeastern Massachusetts residents in general; (2) the region has experienced comparatively high unemployment and low personal income; (3) half of the residents age 25 and over have not completed high school; and (4) low high school completion rate affects the numbers of college educated workers in the region since New England higher education institutions and employers draw from a smaller base of high school graduates. It is important that support be given for remedial work with potential dropouts in elementary and high schools, and that adult literacy programs in the region be strengthened. Seven references are included. (LT)