Presented is a detailed study of National Science Foundation programs in pre-college science education. The development of policies and operational procedures were traced over the past quarter of a century and their impact on management practice was analyzed. The report is presented in two parts: Volume 1, the findings and recommendations, and Volume 2, to include basic documents related to Volume 1. Volume 1, this volume, summarizes the extensive work of the review team. It presents the general findings of the study, along with the principal observations of the team, and highlights the major policy issues that formed the basis of discussion for a special meeting of the Advisory Committee for Science Education. Recommendations of this committee are included. Finally, recommendations made by the chairman of the review team are presented. Many areas of administrative practice that could be improved are pointed out--specifically, the need for better definition of interval documentation, more explicit criteria for selecting reviewers, and clarification of procedure, followed in the modification of proposals in response to reviewer comments. (Author/EB)