Statement of the problem. The purpose of this study was (1) to determine to what extent the schools of California were prepared to meet the total war program; (2) to determine and analyse conditions present in areas most affected by war industries; (3) to determine and analyse conditions in areas least affected; (4) to determine the cause and effect of the war on the pupils of elementary school age, both in rural and urban areas; (5) to determine and present procedures applicable to the economic good of the child in regard to housing, rationing, transportation, and recreation; (6) to understand the part played by the Federal and State governments in meeting the needs of the school and the child during the war period; and (7) to estimate future conditions of the schools and determine possible school policies.