This publication is part of a series of reports that describes the results of the first year of a study of federally funded programs designed to introduce and spread innovative practices in public schools. Over several years, the study will examine innovative educational projects funded under four federal programs, including Title III of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), Title VII of the ESEA, the 1968 amendments to the Vocational Education Act, and the Right-to-Read Program. Purpose of the study is to examine the nature, permanence, and extent of dissemination of innovation associated with the various federal programs and with various federal, state, and local practices. A series of five reports presents the results of the study's first year; Volume 4 of the series summarizes the findings of the other volumes, synthesizes extensive data on the program strategy and management of each federal program, and discusses alternative federal strategies for promoting educational innovation. This report in turn summarizes Volume 4 and is designed to present in condensed form the study's approach and findings. (Author/JG)