A comparative analysis of the administration and implementation of ESEA Title I was undertaken in 8 states and 32 local school districts (4 in each state). The study was designed to determine the extent to which the structure of Title I administration--legislative provisions, program regulations of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW) and the United States Office of Education (USOE), federal and state administrative procedures--can and does lead to well-administered Title I programs at the local level. The selection of states, school districts, and schools, along with additional methodological considerations, is described. Also included are conclusions pertaining to the strengths and weaknesses of the federal government's current Title I policies and procedures. Eight problem areas are identified and eight recommendations made. The complete report is available in nine volumes. The last section of the summary identifies the title, authors, estimated length and price, ordering information, and an annotation of each report. (Author/MLF)