Examined in this report are problems connected with school desegregation. Particular attention is given to the fact that, while many rural schools have been successfully desegregated in the past decade, the majority of blacks and Hispanics who live in large cities remain in racially isolated schools. Causes and feasibility of metropolitan school desegregation are discussed. Findings indicate that excessive busing and loss of local control are not necessarily indicated by desegregation plans. Benefits of desegregation are identified as socioeconomic integration, neighborhood stability, increased learning opportunities, and balanced class size. Alternatives to urban school desegregation are listed and Federal Court rulings are discussed. Implementation methods for various metropolitan desegregation plans are examined and the role of the State in implementation is discussed at length. Recommendations include: (1) creation of a metropolitan-wide school district; (2) consolidation and reorganization of school districts; (3) inter-district student transfers; and (4) shared services. Examples of several urban desegregation programs are provided. Special task force recommendations are listed and applicable laws are appended. (WI)