This is a report of the Council's site visits, assessment activities, and recommendations concerning programs for the educationally disadvantaged. Although most of the programs examined are funded under Title I, other types of compensatory programs are also considered. Particular attention is given in the report to the areas of: funds allocation and distribution; program planning, administration and evaluation; parent involvement; State operated programs; individualized education; alternative schools and programs; bilingual/bicultural education; American Indian and migrant education; community support services; peer tutoring; and the participation of children in nonpublic schools. Site visit reports from schools in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Rhode Island, New York, Tennessee, and Puerto Rico are presented. Particularly noted is the effectiveness Title I programs have demonstrated in meeting the needs of rural and small school districts throughout the nation. (GC)