Goal Five of the National Education Goals states that by the year 2000, every American will be literate and will possess the knowledge and skills to compete in a global economy and exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. This report examines the challenges and progress of minorities compared to Whites in reaching Goal 5, focusing on educational achievement and workplace success. Overall performance of American students on national literacy assessments is low, and this is especially true for minority students. African American, Latino, and American Indian students take fewer mathematics and science courses than do their White and Asian American counterparts and are less likely to be in academic programs. Minority students are less likely to participate in postsecondary education and have less information about its importance. Young workers, especially minority workers, have the greatest difficulty in finding and keeping jobs, and are greatly underrepresented in professional jobs and technical specialities. Further research and evaluation show that new initiatives, such as apprenticeship programs and innovative occupational training, are necessary to close the gaps between minorities and the White mainstream. Seven tables and two figures present study data. An appendix contains the "Leadership Statement of Nine Principles on Equity and Educational Testing and Assessment." (SLD)