This series of papers by prominent economists who have specialized in educational issues brings an economic perspective to some of the major questions being asked about education today. Three papers address elementary and secondary education with an emphasis on educational equity. One examines the educational opportunities of at-risk children and another examines the relationship between educational equity and the improvement of student outcomes. The third considers performance-based incentives for elementary and secondary schools. Two papers consider higher education, and the final paper explores the dynamics of educational policy and practice. Following an introduction by the editor, the papers are: (1) "The Economics of Education for At-Risk Students" (Henry M. Levin); (2)"Can Equity Be Separated from Efficiency in School Finance Debates?" (Eric A. Hanushek); (3) "Can Schools Be Held Accountable for Good Performance" (Robert H. Meyer); (4) "College Choice, Academic Achievement and Future Earnings" (Estelle James and Nabeel Alsalam); (5) "The Financial Squeeze on Higher Education Institutions and Students" (W. Lee Hansen); and (6) "The Economics of Education in a World of Change" (Mary Jean Bowman). (Contains 10 references.) (SLD)