In this inventory of the main efforts at improvement in the New York City public schools since 1970, there is particular emphasis on activities from 1974 to 1976. Various kinds of programs are discussed including: educational programs; programs within traditional classroom settings and within alternative schools outside; public sector programs; private sector initiated programs; vocational and prevocational programs; bilingual programs; programs for the handicapped; drug prevention programs; early childhood programs directed toward low income students; high school and college collaboration programs; and others. These program descriptions include information on date started, funding, location, emphasis, target population, staffing and changes. Three main techniques of data collection were used: (1) mail questionnaires, (2) personal interviews, and (3) analysis of existing documents. The inventory is organized in terms of four categories of innovation: (1) educational programs for both special target groups and for general purpose innovations, (2) administrative and staffing reforms, (3) political action, advocacy, and consumer rights efforts; and (4) participative school and district based planning. Trends in educational improvement efforts are also discussed. An analysis and assessment of these trends in educational improvement efforts and of recommended reform strategies is provided. There is no index. (Author/AM)