A joint statement by 27 scholars, educators, and policymakers focuses on the question of character development in American education, as well as the general need to sustain the momentum of reform brought about by numerous national reports on education. Following an executive summary which presents a rationale for the statement, material is divided into nine sections. Each section addresses a particular issue: developing good character in the young, improving academic performance by all students, maintaining demands on the academically talented, strenghtening teachers and teaching, upgrading curriculum and textbooks, providing choice for parents and pupils, revitalizing education policymaking and research, re-evaluating undergraduate education, and receiving accurate information on schools and pupils. For each issue, an explanatory paragraph is followed by discussion and several concrete recommendations. Where relevant, charts and graphs provide statistical support for general statements. A concluding statement is accompanied by a chart allocating responsibility for action on the nine issues to parents, teachers, schools, districts, government agencies, the media, researchers, higher education, private interest groups, citizens, and the courts. Statements of partial dissent by some signers concludes the publication. (LP)