This paper focuses attention on the critical importance of zoning and housing to education. It covers the causes of undersirable housing patterns, the apparent effects of these patterns on educational achievement, and possibilities for positive action to reverse the negative effects. Although examples are drawn from Santa Clara County, the thesis applies as a model of what can happen wherever large concentrations of poor people develop. Undesirable housing patterns are caused by: (1) zoning and construction practices that tend to reinforce economic and minority segregation, (2) overt discrimination against minorities, (3) the shortage of low cost rental units and dependence on local initiative for more low cost housing, and (4) lack of overall planning in urban renewal projects. These patterns can be prevented by the expansion of low income housing distributed throughout the comminity; the adoption and enforcement of fair housing legislation; and the continual revision of zoning, housing, and subdivision regulations to further the goal of a heterogeneous community. (Author/MLF)