This is the 14th report of the Illinois School Problems Commission, a continuing legislative commission since 1957. The 14th School Problems Commission began its work at an organizational meeting in October 1975. Public hearings were held in early 1976 to identify crucial problems and issues. During the later half of 1976 and early 1977, four major subcommittees gathered data and ideas for the resolution of specific problems. The culmination of the commission effort was embodied in recommendations to the state superintendent of education, in recommendations to other agency heads, and in legislative proposals approved by the commission. This document represents a final report for the period and includes a summary of the recommendations made earlier. The major areas of concern were educational finance, special education, and truancy. Attention was also given to educational administration. Appendixes contain a comparison of Public Law 94-142 and the Illinois School Code, and a summary report of truancy in Illinois schools, 1976-77. (Author/IRT)