The first six of the eight brief papers presented in this document, all produced in 1990 and all discussing critical issues in Massachusetts public education and describing "visions" for addressing these issues, were published in a slightly different format from the last two papers. For each of the issues presented, a "challenge" section, printed on the left-hand side of the booklet, defines the problem(s), while a "response" section, printed on the opposite side, identifies needs and and recommends appropriate action. For each issue also, a "frame" outlined in black and overlapping both sides, projects succinct ideas ("visions") on how the issues might be addressed during the next decade. The titles are: "Early Childhood: Building Blocks for School Success"; "Parent Involvement: A Critical Element in Children's Education"; "Educational Personnel: Issues for the 1990s"; "School Restructuring"; "Adult Literacy and Empowerment in Massachusetts"; and "Expanded Strategies for Learning." The last two papers, published six months later, are called, respectively, "Linking Schools and Human Services" and "The School as a Community Center." The "challenge,""vision," and "response" categories are still used, but are presented in simple sequence. All eight papers are intended to provide images, not a detailed blueprint, for expanding educational opportunities and creating fundamental equity. Linking them all are several themes that reflect the revolutionary social and economic changes that occurred in the 1980s decade. (LMI)