During the period when the economic depression was most serious having the effect upon schools, the Office of Education presented relevant data in a number of different publications. This chapter of the Biennial Survey of Education reviews the most significant findings in those publications and draws them together as a permanent report of some of the most important effects of subnormal economic conditions of the period upon the schools. The lack of similar information of previous depressions made it evident that such a record is desirable. Other chapters in the Commissioner's Biennial Survey, while not treating this problem specifically, will, nevertheless, indicate trends with respect to elementary, secondary, and higher education during the past several years, and will show what rebuilding and reorganization have followed the depression. This chapter also shows a number of new developments which are worth careful appraisal. This chapter is divided into two parts: (1) Public elementary and secondary schools; and (2) Colleges and universities. Individual parts contain footnotes. (Contains 35 tables.) [Best copy available has been provided.]