This report compares results from the 1997 national study of the current attitudes of American teenagers with similar 1974, 1983, and 1996 surveys. Participating were 334 students between 14 and 18 years of age, from households representative of the national population in geographic distribution, population density, household size, age of household head, and family income. Males and females are equally represented. Findings are presented in four major areas. "The School Year 1997-98" presents overall marks for schools, time spent on homework per week, and attitudes toward the school's grading system, relevance of high school learning, strictness of school rules, teachers, school discipline, coursework, co-curricular activities; and students' educational goals and aspirations."Family Life" covers relationships with family members, and parental enforcement and fairness of rules. "The World Around Them" deals with youth's views of the worst influences facing them today and ratings of the severity of national problems. "The Future" covers personal, educational, and occupational plans following high school, reasons for seeking higher education, top career choices, salary expectations, factors believed to be important in personal success, and views on life goals, marriage, and children. (KB)