In early 1984, Connecticut's state board of education adopted an agenda of seven major initiatives for improving the quality of education in the state. Each initiative was further broken down into one or more specific issues. This document examines the background of each issue, presents recommendations for addressing the issue, discusses implementation of the recommendations, and comments on both the legislation that would be required and the costs and their implications. Issues in the area of improving teaching, the first initiative, include ensuring professional competence, attracting high quality staff members, strengthening professional preparation, updating certification regulations, improving retention of educators, and raising teachers' salaries. Early childhood education, the second initiative, faces such issues as providing equal access at an earlier age, determining when early education should begin, and reducing development of educational handicaps. A third initiative, improving educational assessment and assistance, requires knowing how to determine skill mastery after primary education, assisting students needing extra help, and helping districts reach goals. The fourth initiative, setting higher standards, involves ensuring depth and breadth in education and promoting policies that support learning. The final three initiatives focus on using time effectively for education, improving the delivery of vocational education, and improving educational opportunities for adults. (PGD)