This report, volume I of an indepth study of special levy problems in Washington State, represents the results of a study commission examination of finance and curriculum and contact with commission counterparts in the Federal Government, and a review of the work of other States. Included in this volume are (1) a survey of Washington State's program of basic education for common schools; (2) a comparative analysis of Washington school districts' commonality of expenditures, curriculum offerings, and staffing procedures; (3) a school levy survey; (4) the effect of enrollment size on selected aspects of the education process; (5) an analysis of costs for large schools; (6) some impressions gathered from visits to small schools; (7) a description of special education programs in Washington, including those for Indians and migrant children; (8) the status of gifted children programs; and (9) teacher and administrator salary schedules and trends. Volume II of this study is cited under EA 003 645. (JF)