Consisting of testimony and written statements presented to the House Subcommittee on Elementary, Secondary, and Vocational Education, this report deals with the problem of illiteracy in the United States. Proceedings begin with a statement by Charles M. Richardson of Sperry Corporation, an education consultant and former reading tutor; Charles J. Micciche, Superintendent of Schools, Groveton, New Hampshire; Sally Queal, special education instructor, accompanied by Tracy Willyard, literacy program participant; Ann MacTier, Omaha Board of Education member; and Dr. Dorothy Strickland, professor of education, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York. The remainder of the report presents letters and enclosed statements sent to Subcommittee chair Hon. Augustus F. Hawkins, by parents, teachers, researchers, Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater, authors, and the American Legion. The letters and statements address the apparent decline in reading skills, the need for phonics instruction in the curriculum, and a greater emphasis on educational "basics." (AEW)