To understand the controversy over busing, it is necessary to understand the relationship between busing and the issues that are actually at the root of the controversy: desegregation and freedom of choice. Much of the political activity surrounding busing is a subtle transfer of attention away from the basic issue of desegregation. Other opponents to busing see it as another needless restriction on the freedom to choose one's residence and, concurrently, to choose the school to which one's children go. Because the Supreme Court has not rendered an absolute verdict on busing, school decision-makers are forced to live with the frequently fuzzy guidelines available. Congress and the President have adopted a wait and see stance that offers no leadership on the question. Social science research on busing is not helpful either as the research is not definitive in its findings. It is clear, however, that the attitudes of school officials and community leaders help to shape the attitude of the community and that the ultimate failure or success of busing and its goals, true integration and equality of educational opportunity, depends on the local community and its school leaders, not on Washington. (Author/IRT)