A Rubik's cube analogy provides a perspective on the complexity of managing educational futures and the purposes, language, and assumptions of this monograph. A broad commentary on the relationship between society and education and an overview of the conceptual framework used to examine this relationship is followed by a comprehensive review of major forces and trends that are now shaping society and education. The forces and trends are described in nine sections: one for each of Lasswell's eight sectors of contemporary society (power, affection, skills, wealth, well being, respect, rectitude, and enlightenment) and one for society as a whole. The parameters, the key society-education dynamic, and related forces and trends are discussed for each section. Two major sets of conditions that are likely to confound futures planning, interpreting societal inputs and managing educational processes and outcomes, are reviewed. Finally, eight tasks are cited that are broadly responsive to challenges to education discussed in earlier sections. Ninety-four footnotes of reference citations and discussion conclude the booklet. (MLF)