The U.S. education system is perhaps history's greatest social achievement. But recognition of its success should not serve to obscure its shortcomings. There must be a stop to improving and muddling through with makeshift responses to the pressure of events. Instead, there should be plans to carry out a reasoned, rational, and practical reform of the teaching profession. Pupil-teacher ratios have been given major consideration over the past 10 years. Now, however, it is not realistic to talk of pupil-teacher ratios of 20 to 1 or 15 to 1; first, it is too costly, and second, there is evidence that flexible class grouping--large and small--makes for the most effective education. Differentiated staffing, flexible staffs, and the utilization of paraprofessionals must all be examined for their value potential in education today. (JA)