Panel members discussed proposed legislation that would regulate more closely the policies of retention and social promotion in the nations' schools, and how these policies affect African-American students. Social promotion is the practice of allowing a student to move to the next grade without mastering the knowledge and skills educators believe are necessary to succeed in that grade. Retention in earlier grades was also discussed as well as social promotion statistics. They also talked about teacher education, teaching the necessary skills, and measuring students' levels of learning. After their prepared remarks the panelists responded to questions from the audience. Ms. Lewis served as moderator.