In this book community education, defined as a form of compensatory education which is being introduced widely in urban and educational priority areas, is explored. The role and status of compensatory education and its relationship to community education in inner city schools are examined. The history and current problems of such programs are discussed and exemplified with short case histories. The present concept of community schools are examined in detail, as are Educational Priority Area (EPA) Projects. The Deptford Project is constructively criticized, illustrating how false assumptions and faulty educational thinking can subvert project effectiveness and even delude participants into believing that the project has been a success. Finally, the future of community education in urban areas is discussed. Recommendations of a practical and philosophical nature are made concerning how project initiators and administrators should create and plan community oriented educational projects to insure effectiveness. (WI)