This is the executive summary of the first of a series of planned studies on progress in the desegregation of the public schools in Boston, Massachusetts. The report covers the legal mandate, objectives, monitoring process, and findings for each of 12 areas which State officials are charged with monitoring: (1) student assignments; (2) desegregation of faculty and administrative staff; (3) special desegregation measures at specific schools; (4) desegregation of special education programs; (5) bilingual education; (6) vocational and occupational education; (7) student transportation; (8) school facilities; (9) school safety and security; (10) student discipline; (11) institutional pairings (with colleges/universities and businesses); and (12) parent and student organizations. Also included are brief discussions of dispute resolution and possible modifications to the outstanding judicial orders. (GC)