The requirement that public schools desegregate presents many problems for the school districts of Louisiana and other States, but also offers opportunities for improving educational quality for all students, regardless of race. Recent court decisions and civil rights legislation leave no doubt that the present minimal desegregation efforts of Louisiana's schools are inadequate and must be greatly improved in the immediate future. This legal impetus for rapid desegregation is buttressed by research findings which indicate a comparatively low degree of educational attainment among both white and Negro citizens of Louisiana. School officials need to carefully evaluate the probable effectiveness of all methods available for achievement of desegregation (bussing, educational parks, school pairing, etc.). If the overall quality of Louisiana's schools is to improve, additional improvements must be sought in such areas as teacher preparation, recruitment, and evaluation; instructional programs; organization for instruction; and school facilities. Thirty-one recommendations are made for bolstering the educational program of the State. (JH)