In this special issue of "Inequality in Education", ESEA Title I and parent participation are the central themes. The leading article describes Title I actions in Calais, Maine, and Providence, Rhode Island. The problems in both these towns appear to be quite different from those in large, industrial cities. The community which would benefit from Title I often seems apathetic and uninterested. The article raises the issue of the organization of the "invisible poor" of small towns, the question of education as an organizing issue, and the suitability of litigation as a solution to complex policy issues. The other central essay concerns bureaucratic politics and poverty politics. It is concluded that Federal and State governments have little control over Title I spending; local school districts are virtually free to meet their own priorities. It is suggested that groups have more say about expenditure of federal funds. In addition, this issue of the magazine includes a section of feature reports on research, litigation, government action, and legislation concerning education and the law. Such topics as school integration, resource allocation, special education, equal protection, community control, and student rights are discussed. (Author/JW)