This, the first of a three part handbook, seeks to make available to the Congress a compilation, analysis, and summary of certain basic information needed for legislative decision on educational issues that come before Congress. Specifically it (1) summarizes the evolution of Federal policies in education 1777-1960 and congressional enactments concerning education and training; (2) discusses the history, organization, and functions of the U.S. Office of Education and of the National Science Foundation; (3) reviews the recommendations of ad hoc advisory commissions, 1929-1967, concerning Federal educational policies; and (4) sets forth the positions of currently active organizations and agencies, governmental and nongovernmental, concerning the Federal role in education. Three areas of controversy are seen: the extent of Federal control over local education, Federal aid to nonpublic schools; and racial integration in the schools. (dm)