In 1968, Michigan began a special program of state-aid grants to local school districts for the education of disadvantaged children. Provisions of the original Michigan statute were rather vague, and the State department of education was given considerable discretion in implementing and administering the program. Many of the rules developed by the…

This study examines the politics of program implementation in Michigan. It focuses on relations between the Michigan Department of Education and the state's local school districts in the administration of state aid for compensatory education. With its accountability emphasis and with the many administrative issues that have characterized its…