This report presents information from a national survey commissioned in January 2002 by the Public Education Network and Education Week. The poll examines the attitudes of American voters towards public schools and reveals what they want politicians to do about education once they are in office. Overall, Americans assign great value to public education in the context of the recent economic recession, the war on terrorism, and the upcoming November elections. Education remains a top priority and will be a hot-button political issue in the 2002 midterm and 2004 general elections. Voters believe that quality education for all is a national priority. They care about school quality for practical reasons and out of concern for the community. Public concerns about the economy and education are intertwined. Most people believe that politicians should make education a top priority for financial support in their states. The public emphatically defends education budgets against possible cuts and wants officials to protect education dollars. Voters believe it is time to hold politicians and communities accountable for academic performance and school quality. They feel that school boards and parents have the most responsibility for quality education. Voters also believe that students should be held accountable. They have very consistent views about how to improve public education through teacher quality and equal funding between rich and poor schools. (SM)