These discussion guides for the 1986 regional conferences focus on (1) early childhood education, and (2) increasing the number of students who complete high school. The early childhood material consists of an introductory comment about the expansion of preschools which includes a review of research literature concerning lasting effects of preschool education, the quality of schools and teaching, and reform movements and change in kindergarten through grade three. Suggested discussion questions on important problems and needed actions in early childhood education are then listed. The material on high school completion provides an introductory comment illustrating the need of some students for special help to stay in school, reasons students give for dropping out of school, information about factors increasing dropout rates, and steps schools should take to help students at risk of dropping out. Subsequent discussion focuses on appropriate interventions for students in grades pre-K through 3, 4 through 6, 7 through 8, and 9 through 12, including treatments for out-of-school youth between 16 and 21 years of age. Following this, five discussion questions about increasing high school completions on both the state and local levels are listed and conclude the document. (RH)