The responses of approximately 150 political and educational leaders to the question, "If it were in your power, what one thing would you do to improve the reading and writing skills of boys and girls?" are presented in this report. Their views, along with original letters, are alphabetically arranged according to group represented: (1) state governors; (2) superintendents of schools; (3) past presidents of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE); (4) past presidents of the International Reading Association (IRA); (5) state officers of NCTE; (6) state officers of IRA; (7) international members of the National Conference on Research in English; (8) members of IRA provincial councils and national affiliates; (9) executive directors of NCTE and IRA; and (10) unsigned replies. The report concludes with a summary article, "What Do Governors and Educators Recommend to Improve Reading and Writing in the United States and Other Parts of the World." (HOD)