In the last decade, Stamford has been transformed from a suburban town to an urban center of national renown. A responsive yet directive public school system is critical in preserving a feeling of community. The Stamford Educational Planning Committee, a team of interdisciplinary professionals and a broad-based community group, examined trends in the environment and their effect upon public education in Stamford, and proposed policy changes. This first volume of their four-volume report considers emerging educational priorities in light of the social and physical environment, and an assessment of issues, concerns, and career trends. It then addresses future directions for the Stamford public schools. Highlights of these include the following: (1) enabling students to pursue higher education and/or meaningful employment upon graduation; (2) providing students with an awareness of work and cultural opportunities in the community and the knowledge and skills to pursue them; and (3) providing an education of a quality adequate to establish and maintain personal dignity. Appendixes contain a list of working papers for the study, lists of persons consulted and interviewed for the study, and an interview guideline. (LHW)