This hearing examines issues related to proposed legislation that would strengthen the capacity of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Educational Research and Improvement to deal with two widespread problems: (1) mismanagement, corruption and waste in non-instructional educational services resulting from the failure of governors, mayors, and school boards to exercise their policymaking and oversight powers; and (2) incompetence and blundering in curriculum development, including multicultural curricula that could improve performance and reduce drop-out in inner city schools. The hearing examines these problems as they occur in New York City. Testimony and prepared statements were received from: Noreen Connell, Executive Director of Educational Priorities Panel; Elizabeth Holtzman, Comptroller, City of New York; Argie K. Johnson, Deputy Chancellor of Instruction, New York City Board of Education; Bob Law, Director, Respect Yourself Youth Organization and Member of the Board, Education of People of African Ancestry; Stanley S. Litow, Deputy Chancellor for Operations, New York City Board of Education; Adelaide Sanford, New York State Regents; Ed Stancik, Special Commissioner of Investigation for the New York City School District; Major R. Owens, a Representative in Congress from the State of New York; and Donald M. Payne, a Representative in Congress from the State of New Jersey. (KRN)