This research assesses new arrangements for citizen participation in urban school affairs within the 13 cities studied. An effort was made to learn who participates and whom they represent, the forum for participation, the issues considered, the tactics used by participants, the sanctions available to participants, the success of the program, and the strengths and weaknesses of the mechanism as perceived by interested parties. Recommendations derived from the study encourage the strengthening of existing linkages for citizen participation and point out the need for new methods especially to involve poor and minority groups. In those cities where mechanisms for citizen participation were working well, leadership was emerging within the schools as well as in the community to solve educational problems. The results seemed to satisfy both school officials and citizens. (LN)