The contemporary American dilemma involves the large gap between educational aspirations and achievement, between theory and practice. Many economists argue that the competitive softness of the United States (US) compared to Japan in high-technology markets can be related to the shortage of trained US scientists and engineers. In Japan and the United States, formal education is mainly publicly financed and controlled and hence is amenable to improvement through sound public policy. In the provision of educational opportunity, the United States moved ahead of ail other countries, except possibly Germany and Japan. The contemporary American dilemma involves the large gap between educational aspirations and achievement, between theory and practice. The reformers advocate a commitment to educational goals, clarity of purpose, and improved communication among all members of school faculties and administrations. While the values or theories of Japanese and US education may differ, certain aspects of educational practice still may be transferable.