Perspectives on college preparation and the transition from secondary to postsecondary education are addressed in a 1982 public hearing. Two main goals are articulated: to improve the quality of secondary school curricula, and to ensure access to or equality of educational opportunities for college for minority and majority students. An overview of a strategy employed by the College Board's Equality Project is provided, which includes consensus building regarding the nature of college preparation. Based on this project, statements have been developed concerning the basic academic competencies and subject areas that high school students should know. Additional topics include: the National Science Board Commission's work and the concern over the declining participation and achievement in science and mathematics, the National Science Board's view that such declines are a major societal problem not just a problem with education, the view that governance of public education in the United States is linked heavily to the political arena, and the tension between equality and quality. A view, represented in a book called "The Paideia Proposal," is also discussed, which consists of seven propositions or recommendations for educational quality and equality. (SW)