This sample national survey compares results for students in the eleventh grade in 1970 to the Project TALENT national survey of high school students conducted in 1960. Several important conclusions resulted from this survey: 1) there has been little improvement in reading skills in the first eleven years of schooling; 2) guidance programs appear to have been more effective in recent years than prior to 1960. Although progress has been made, improvement in guidance procedures and individual planning is needed; 3) there has been little improvement in the quality and effectiveness of the instructional programs; 4) students report they are working more, studying less, and reading books to about the same degree as in 1960; 5) there is a decrease in the number of absences over 15 days; and 6) a slight, but consistent trend in poorer health than in 1960 is linked to the increased use of stimulants. The study indicates that there is an urgent need for the development of educational programs designed to make major improvements in the quality of education. A sample of the survey, which includes weighted responses, is appended. (TA)