This is the first in a series of annual forecasts of total enrollment in public elementary and secondary schools by state to be issued by the Center for Education Statistics (CES). A table shows states organized by four regions with actual total enrollment for fall 1980 through fall 1986, and enrollment forecast for fall 1987. The percent change from 1985 to 1987 is listed. Technical notes explain the methodology, forecast accuracy, and data sources. CES projects that in fall 1987 total enrollment in public elementary and secondary schools will again reach 40 million. This represents a .3 percent increase over the fall 1986 enrollment of 39.9 million and an increase of 1.2 percent over fall 1985. Between 1985 and 1987, public school enrollment is projected to increase by 4.6 percent in the West and 1.8 percent in the South; the Midwest is expected to experience no significant change; and the Northeast is projected to register a decrease of 1.4 percent. Future state forecasts will contain 5 years of projections. (MLF)