Concerns regarding education for a productive role in society are addressed in a 1982 public hearing. Testimony is offered by the public, experts, vocational educators, secondary school managers, community college and university administrators, and employers. Topics include the following: the economic environment and employment trends; changes relating to the increasingly information-oriented society; skills needed by youth in a technological society; the need for new curriculum materials and training and retraining of education personnel; the impact that education has on business and the economy; the view by some employers that school graduates are unprepared for work; schooling that is best suited to high productivity within the military; the views of organized labor on the major weaknesses in the overall educational system; the commitment and responsibilities of business and industry in providing training for employees; banker education; economic education; changes affecting vocational education; the employability of secondary-age youth; programs for high school dropouts; the role of postsecondary institutions and the transition from education to work; education in rural areas; the role of the community college; and cooperative education. (SW)