There is a lack of consensus in our society about the educational mission of our schools because society itself is in a period of transition about its own values, and this uncertainty translates to what it wants its schools to do. Also researchers in education have avoided topics that might help to inform public debate on educational matters, preferring instead studies that will appeal to a limited number of their peers in related educational fields. While the decisions regarding social goal and purpose rest with the society at large, educators and educational researchers have an important and appropriate role to play in helping to frame the questions of the relationship between the society and its educational institutions and in supplying certain information about what educators can and cannot do. (Author/JMF)