On October 19 and 20, 1983, citizens' hearings were held by the Massachusetts Advocacy Center to receive testimony from students, parents, educators, economists, researchers, and advocates concerning a crisis in public education in the Commonwealth. Section I of this report presents an overview of the current debate concerning the reform of the public schools. Recommendations and findings of national reports advocating improvements in the schools are critiqued, and initiatives made in several states to implement change are briefly described. Subsequently, positions of advocates and citizens on 10 problematic issues facing educators in Massachusetts are delineated. These issues concern reversals of gains made by women, minorities, and others; basic skills; funding; discipline; the school-community relationship; expectations for student achievement; academic standards; education for employment; economically influenced family and student problems; and special programs for at-risk students. Section II presents an advocacy perspective on the past, present, and future of American education and education in Massachusetts. Section III lists 10 basic principles proposed for evaluating school reform in Massachusetts and suggests ways of applying these principles to other current proposals for school reform. Specifically addressed are several proposals contained in the December, 1983 report of the Massachusetts legislature's Joint Committee on Education. (RH)