This report explores the individual and social benefits of citizen participation in educational decision-making. This exploration combines democratic theory, historical and cultural determinants, practical experience and public opinion, and research and evaluation. Citizens participate politically in school affairs to effect changes in policy, service delivery, community development, performance of students in school, and organizational effectiveness. Chapter 1 presents a summary of the historical and cultural determinants of these patterns of citizen participation. Chapter 2 describes the powerful and growing influence of state and federal government actions on citizen participation. Chapter 3 raises, and in part answers, the questions: Who participates, how, and in what issues? Chapter 4 summarizes the available evidence on the impact of citizen participation. In the final chapter, the principal author provides a personal perspective on the current status and meaning of citizen participation. Data for this report are drawn from a variety of sources including approximately 300 open-ended interviews with decision-makers. (Author/MLF)