Federally controlled educational programs are causing subordination of local and State educational initiative and responsibility. Primary control of the educational program should rest with local educational agencies. The State should engage in educational planning, experimentation, and innovation; set basic educational standards; and provide financial assistance, consciously avoiding usurpation of local agencies' functions. State departments of education should also play major roles in channeling Federal funds into areas where the most dire needs exist. A cooperative program involving Federal, State, and local educational agencies is needed to achieve the basic purposes of public education. Each level of government should perform those functions for which it is best suited. (LLR)