Congress has requested that the National Institute of Education (NIE) assess the current effectiveness of compensatory education programs in meeting their fundamental purposes, and examine a alternative methods by which the effectiveness of compensatory programs might be improved. These requests are included in the provisions of Section 821, Public Law 93-380. This paper describes the major research projects which have been designed and which together will enable NIE to respond to Congress' requests. The 35 research projects, organized into the four areas of funds allocation, compensatory services, student development, and administration, are described. (RC)