The U.S. Department of Education has developed a new mission statement based on the need to ensure excellence in education for all American students and to provide access to high-quality education for all. This strategic plan focuses attention on a few areas that have been selected as priorities, primarily as a result of legislative successes and recommendations from the National Performance Review. The first priority is to help all students reach challenging academic standards so that they are prepared for responsible citizenship, further learning, and productive employment. Creating a comprehensive school-to-work opportunities system in every state is the second designated priority. The third priority is ensuring access to high-quality postsecondary education and lifelong learning. Transforming the Department of Education into a high-performance organization is the fourth designated priority. Objectives and strategies in support of each of these priorities are outlined. The Department of Education is committed to learners of all ages and to fostering learning, innovation, and teamwork throughout the Department. Three figures complement the discussion. (SLD)