This study reports on eight projects funded by the Emergency School Aid Act (ESAA) during 1977-1978 in seven districts in New Jersey and New York. The seven districts are described in terms of: (1) their demographic characteristics, such as racial/ethnic composition of the public schools, minority isolation, percentage of educationally or economically disadvantaged students, and metropolitan status; (2) their desegregation experiences; and (3) their experience with the ESAA Basic and Pilot programs prior to the 1976 grant competition. Also covered in this report are details regarding the preparation of applications for ESAA funds, eligibility requirements and application review. Finally, the content and implementation of the Basic and Pilot projects in the seven districts are described. Focused on are district staffs' perceptions of the relationship of the projects to school desegregation, and program administrative procedures. (EB)