The four parts of this memorandum are not intended to be definitive or complete; rather, their object is to present a range of alternative strategies for federal elementary and secondary education policy and to provide an initial basis for discussion. The first problem addressed is that of meeting the serious and multiple needs of children living in areas of concentrated poverty and of the schools serving such children. The second problem is the fragmentation of services and resulting educational, physical, and social isolation of special needs children. The third problem is the difficult transition that many youths, and particularly minorities and women, often make from secondary schools into the workplace. The last problem discussed is inefficiency in the provision of elementary and secondary education. Collectively, the analyses in this memorandum identify several broad features of potential solutions that would: (1) make connections and increase coordination among elements in the educational system, such as students, families, and schools, and among federal education programs, as well as certain noneducation services; (2) raise standards for students and schools; and (3) do more with current levels of support. (MLF)