It is most difficult to believe that the American economy can soon return to the stable growth rates that were enjoyed from 1958 to 1973. Factors that contribute to a slow-growth economy include changes in the age of the average citizen, pressures for larger expenditures for armaments, pricefixing by oligopolies, rising raw materials prices, change from a manufacturing economy to a service economy, and expenditures for an improved environment. In light of this slow economic growth, prospects for major federal initiatives in education appear dismal, although there will be some federal support for programs for special purposes. There is obvious unused revenue potential at the state level, although state school finance will differ in each state. On the local level, the evaluation of prospects for financial support for education are cloudy and depend on declining enrollments, urban fiscal crises, and debates over the property tax. Federal programs for education are likely to require recipients to devise relevant plans that must be approved by the federal government. Congress will continue to be involved in education and the paperwork that accompanies the involvement will be massive. (Author/JM)