Information was obtained from staffs of selected schools, from samples of eighth and twelfth grade students, and from group interviews with community representatives and school leaders for the purpose of detecting the inadequacies and shortcomings of California schools in a three-county region. Problems emerged in the areas of curriculum balance and vocational training, instructional techniques, educational efforts directed toward students of varying ability, and social factors which affected the schools. Staff responses indicated a need for development of measurable, sequential objectives. All communities expressed a need for schools to assume more of the functions which other social institutions had shared in the past. Data indicated that schools in the region should evaluate their own needs to: (1) clarify their goals in terms of measurable objectives for all students, particularly with regard to vocational training for non-college bound students and the instructional program for students of low academic ability; (2) become aware of discrepancies between staff and student perceptions of needs and values; (3) develop a willingness by staff members to consider promising educational alternatives to conventional patterns of instruction; and (4) assess their responsibility for involvement in the community to deal with the social forces which affect the success of the school program. Appendices consist of samples of questionnaires used in the survey, summarized responses, and descriptions of the school groups surveyed. (CM)