This volume offers a proposal for a national desegregation study which would involve coordinated case studies of twelve to fifteen cities in which there has been substantial systemwide desegregation for 5 to 10 or more years. The following are identified as the principal components of the study: (1) a natural history of school desegregation; (2) a study of housing patterns and markets; (3) a content analysis of media coverage of desegregation; (4) achievement and attitude testing of fifth and tenth grade students in selected schools; and (5) a public opinion survey of adults (parents and non-parents) residing in each city. Also identified are the theoretically and methodologically important evaluation criteria and external validity criteria used in the selection of cities. Each component is justified in a definition of its purpose, and a brief description of the method recommended for data gathering in each area is given. Persons or groups of persons for research of each component are suggested. A time schedule and estimated budget for the project is appended. (JCD)