An overview is provided of the status and future of science, engineering, and mathematics education in public two-year colleges. In addition, results of several national-level studies are reviewed, and 15 recommendations developed by the National Task Force for the Improvement of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Education in Community, Technical, and Junior Colleges are presented. Parts I through III of this report provide background to the study; examine the role of the American Association of Community and Junior Colleges in advancing science, math, and engineering education; review study methodology; and provide an overview of the report. Part IV discusses the important role of two-year college faculty in the success of student pursuing careers in science and technology. Part V profiles students enrolled in such programs and discusses influences on their success. This section also discusses pre-college students, examining Scholastic Aptitude Test scores and noting the factors which may influence students to pursue science and mathematics in higher education. Part VI stresses the need for a curricular reform that emphasizes science literacy in two-year colleges. Part VII summarizes relevant data generated by several national studies, and data acquired from a review of state documents. This section examines student enrollments, program financing, and state support, and presents the results of a survey of two-year college coordinating offices. Parts VIII and IX present recommendations dealing with state and local college boards, local colleges, faculty and staff, and national concerns. A 26-item bibliography, and a list of task force members are included. (JMC)