The essays contained in this document, which launches the University of Georgia Education Initiative, attempt to address Georgia's need for increased literacy in realistic and constructive terms. Taken together, these essays constitute an agenda for action--a challenge to all those who wish to provide Georgians with the quality education they deserve. After an introduction by Alphonse Buccino, the following five papers are presented: (1) "Preschool Literacy Development in Georgia" (Stephen White); (2) "Literacy Development in Georgia's Elementary Schools" (JoBeth Allen); (3) "Literacy Development in Georgia's Middle and Secondary Schools (Donna Alvermann); (4) "Adult Literacy Education in Georgia" (Thomas Valentine); and (5) "The Social and Political Dimensions of Literacy" (Joel Taxel). (KEH)