The most important issue facing the people of the United States is education. National reports have defined the problem. The need for reform can no longer be questioned. A solution must be devised and New Jersey is reqdy to act. As Governor, the author offers several proposals for restoring the vigor of the state's schools. Each district will formally define its needs, declare its goals, and show how it will get results. The reorganized department of education will help the districts find solutions. State and local responsibilities will be balanced through planning and monitoring; the monitoring system will concentrate on districts that really need help. As the school environment is improved and standards are set for students' classroom behavior, standards for academic achievement can be raised. A new, tougher statewide graduation test has been established. High standards must also apply to bilingual students. If students cannot show competency in English, they will not get a New Jersey diploma. The quality of New Jersey teachers and school administrators must be upgraded. Ways to better use the state's talented and trained teachers and to bring a wider range of talented and skilled people into the schools must be found. To attract highly qualified individuals, starting salaries must be increased. To improve professional development programs for teachers, New Jersey should establish an academy for the advancement of teaching and management. Finally, the state should establish a master teacher program because extraordinary teachers deserve extraordinary compensation. (RH)