In the context of a growing debate over the relationship between education and the economic performance of the United States, this hearing focused on what the federal government, and the Congress in particular, can do to foster improved economic performance. Oral and written testimony was delivered by three witnesses: Henry M. Levin, director, Center for Educational Research, Standard University; John E. Chubb, senior fellow, the Brookings Institution; and Lorraine M. McDonnell, senior political scientist, the RAND Corporation. (DB)