Title I may have fallen short of its lofty goals, but it is an effective basic skills program for underachieving students. Its successes depend on requirements that the program supplement the regular learning program, evaluate pupil progress, be coordinated with other school activities, and involve parents. (Author/JM)

School districts should be allowed to dispense with labeling children as disadvantaged and to use the Title I support they receive in schools that have a high proportion of children from poor families. (Author/MLF)

Reviews research on the effectiveness of Title I programs in promoting educational equity. Focuses on general evaluations and studies of equity of access, equity of participation, level of participation, and equity of outcomes. Concludes that one reason Title I has failed is that its regulations are confusing and too restrictive. (KH)