This summary describes the results of a survey that served as a needs assessment, preceding the development of a curriculum for both Arab and Jewish elementary schools in Israel. The curriculum's goals were to educate children to create interethnic contacts on a basis of mutual equality and respect for each other and their cultures. Previous attitudinal research, along with personal and intermediate culture contact studies, were described. This study tested the effect of direct contact with Jews on the attitudes of Arab children, as well as Arab children's readiness for contact with Jewish youth, and the effect of stereotypes on that readiness. The sample population included 268 seventh grade students in Arab schools located in two Arab villages, two Arab cities, and two cities of mixed Arab and Jewish populations. Results indicated that: (1) previous contact did increase readiness for further social contacts, and programs that involve actual contacts between children from the two societies should be encouraged; (2) the designed curriculum should have special preparation activities for those Arab children who come from Arab settlements and do not have the required readiness for social contacts; and (3) curricula for interethnic groups should develop activities that stress direct contact, rather than the current emphasis which focuses on changing stereotypes. Tables are included. (JHP)