National compensatory education and the relationship between student achievement growth and educational processes are assessed in a first year report of the Sustaining Effects Study required by Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Federal funds were authorized to provide special compensatory services to educationally deprived students. Study data include achievement scores; attitude measures; aspects of instructional service; and educational programs. Analyses approaches are varied. Part One discusses the effects of compensatory education in educational development and achievement. Instructional effects are analyzed and a structural-relation model is discussed. In Part Two the relationship between the educational process and development is presented in terms of data and analysis strategy. Basic skills achievement is considered with the influence of environment and instructional staff and practices. The characteristics of effective educational processes and students are discussed. Chapter summaries and conclusions, a bibliography, appendices of support material, and supplementary tables are included. (CM)