This study focused on the role played in school desegregation by the Emergency School Aid Act (ESAA), Title IV of the Civil Rights Act, and Office of Civil Rights (OCR) enforcement of Title IV. The study examined the ways in which five urban school districts made use of assistance programs and have been affected by Title IV. School district enrollments ranged from 23,000 to 53,000 and were chosen on the basis of level of involvement with ESAA, Title IV, or OCR. The study was interview based. Findings supported continuation of Title IV Desegregation Assistance Centers, multiyear funding for ESAA programs, and a shift of ESAA monies to activities directly related to desegregation processes. It was found that ESAA advisory committees were rarely given training regarding ESAA or desegregation and members were not significantly involved in developing proposals. Recommendations for committee improvement were outlined. It was felt that a "layman's version" of ESAA regulations would help to alleviate existing confusions. Two year funding continuations for Title IV Training Institutes were recommended. Systematic, continuous Title IV training programs were found to be most effective and were encouraged. A need was seen for dissemination of information regarding desegregation plans. OCR forms were found to be difficult to complete; clarification and reduction was recommended. It was suggested that OCR publish a layman's guide to enforcement or complaint reviews. (MK)