This is the first of a series of bulletins dealing with various aspects of the activities of the open-space schools project. This project engages in research related to the planning, design, and use of open-space facilities for use in establishing a common frame of reference for future research and development; helping educators, planners, architects, and others make decisions related to school development and operation; and designing solution strategies for common problems. This issue contains information gathered in the first phase of the project regarding the general nature of open-space schools, the national development trends, some reasons for development, and the areas of concern. A related document is EA 003 897. (Author)