The challenge of equal educational opportunity in California and lessons from student affirmative action efforts are considered in a California Postsecondary Education Commission task force report, which also offers recommendations to promote high school and college preparation and educational opportunities for low income and minority students. Nine elements of effective secondary school affirmative action efforts are identified, including tutorial assistance and curriculum evaluation. Effective community college occupational and transfer programs have at least five characteristics in common, including skill assessment and articulation with both high schools and four-year institutions. Effective programs of public and private four-year colleges have eight distinguishing factors, including summer bridge programs and orientation programs. Recommendations are offered that concern: clarifying school and college responsibilities, improving the public schools, increasing higher education's services to the schools and to underrepresented students, improving educational information, involving accreditation, and assessing equity efforts. The implementing agents for the 31 recommendation are identified. Included are responses to the report by six educational officials and the text of California Assembly Concurrent Resolution 83. (SW)