This report describes and interprets the reading achievement rates of Title I participants over a period of six years beginning with the school year 1968-69. The primary data source consisted of 283 ESEA Title I evaluation reports for the years 1969-1974, supplemented by information from the state Title I offices. From pretest and posttest data average monthly gains in grade equivalents were calculated by year and grade. The average of the reported monthly gains are consistently near a 1.1 month gain for each month in Title I across grades and years (1971-1974). In terms of the unofficial standard of success, which is a month's gain for a month in the program, Title I can be judged a significant success. However, evidence is presented that the expected achievement pattern of the disadvantaged student changes to lowered achievement during summer periods without reading instruction. (MKM)