From 1970 to 1980, Indiana's population grew 5.7 percent, with the white population growing less than 4 percent as opposed to a 30 percent growth rate for minority groups. Nearly 64.4 of the state's minority population resided in Marion and Lake counties as of 1980. Except for Asian Americans, Indiana residents who belong to ethnic minority groups tend to be much less well educated than their white counterparts. This is especially true of Hispanic persons. Minority group members have higher dropout and unemployment rates, and there are more illegitimate births and households headed by women among minority groups. These trends suggest that policymakers in Indiana will need to make a major commitment to see that all citizens, regardless of age or ethnic/racial background, have the opportunity to develop and perform at the highest levels possible. (This report includes 31 tables; a reprint of an article entitled "Equality and Excellence: The Educational Status of Black Americans"; and selected excerpts from the following reports: "Hispanics in the Labor Market: 1980-1985,""Access to Higher Education: The Experience of Blacks, Hispanics, and Low Socioeconomic Status Whites," and "The Reading Report Card: Progress toward Excellence in Our Schools--Trends in Reading over Four National Assessments, 1971-1984.") (MN)