A synthesis of existing research and commentary, this book seeks to clarify the national experience with school desegregation and to identify ways of maximizing the potential benefits and reducing the possible costs of desegregation. Chapters 1 and 9 discuss assumptions about the overall consequences of desegregation, while Chapters 2 through 8 discuss and identify strategies that appear to be effective in developing and implementing desegregation plans. The chapters cover these specific areas: (1) facts and fantasy about the consequences of desegregation; (2) identifying strategies for effective school desegregation; (3) pupil-assignment strategies; (4) using school desegregation to effect housing desegregation; (5) preparing and involving parents and the community; (6) organizing at the district level for continuing implementation; (7) changes within desegregated schools; (8) inservice training for school desegregation; (9) myths, false promises, and possibilities. (Chapters 3 through 8 present a revised version of the summary book of the project, "Assessment of Current Knowledge about the Effectiveness of School Desegregation Strategies." The project's methodology for interviewing local and national desegregation experts is described in an appendix to this book.) (Author/KH)