Argues that because past federal interventions in the nation's economy have created great wealth differentials among states, and because present federal policies perpetuate these inequities, the federal government should establish a federal foundation program to assure an adequate education for students in poorer states. (Author/JG)

Discusses the purposes of the Assistance to States for State Equalization Plans Act, recounts its legislative history, describes its equity guidelines, and highlights the state plans and research studies flowing from the act. (Author/JM)