The Title I Evaluation and Reporting System (TIERS) was assessed to determine the effectiveness of the TIERS in meeting its statutory objectives. A second purpose was to outline directions for the future of the system in light of enactment of the Educational Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981. Focus was on assisting the United States Department of Education in conducting both the review of the models in its 1979 regulation and the review of the TIERS requested by the House of Representatives and the Senate in 1978. Generally, local and state educational agencies administering Title I programs are responsible for implementing the TIERS evaluation models, developed by the Office of Education (OE) to implement required standards. To assist these agencies, the OE provides technical assistance in the application of the models. Regular collection of data, via the models, was done at the state and local level. The OE aggregated all data to provide a national overview of the program's effectiveness. The Department of Education commissioned research into the five topics relevant to the current effectiveness and future direction of the TIERS. The 4-month assessment was conducted by a panel of five researchers, each of whom analyzed a separate aspect of the TIERS. Specific topics covered include the validity of TIERS, technical assistance centers, the utility of the TIERS system, changes in evaluation practice at local and state levels and the possible influences of the TIERS, and the Federal Government's perspective concerning the TIERS. Seven data tables and one figure are provided. Six appendices include the Title I evaluation requirements and supplementary text. (TJH)