The Rand change agent study was designed to determine the factors for successful implementation and continuation of selected federal programs--the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Title III, Innovation Projects; ESEA Title VII, Bilingual Projects; Vocational Education Part D, Exemplary Programs; and the Right-to-Read program. This report describes research design considerations and preliminary work plans for the final phase of the study. The first phase of the study, conducted November 1973 to January 1974, involved a nationwide survey of 293 change agent projects in 18 states. Following the introduction, section 2 outlines the study's task descriptions, tentative work schedule, and project management plans. Section 3 describes the research design approaches for the Title III and Title VII research, which will measure the impact of selected innovative projects on classrooms, schools, and school districts after federal funding has ended. The proposed methodology involves telephone interviews and intensive field work. Three tables, one figure, and the vitae of key personnel are included. (LMI)