This dissertation is an exploratory study of a power struggle for control of public education in a large urban school system. This power struggle is examined via its exemplification in the form of a controversy over accountability within the school system. The method used for this study was the interviewing of 20 persons playing major roles in the controversy. These interviews included members of the Board of Education, community organization leaders, school administrators, teacher and administrator union executives, and the education director of the local chapters of the National Association for Advancement of Colored People. Interviews were conducted in March, April and May 1974. These persons were asked to define accountability, the origins on the accountability issue, opposing forces in the accountability controversy, and their hoped for and anticipated outcomes of the accountability issues; and to identify related issues. The results indicate that Blacks are struggling against whites for control of this urban school system. There was concensus on the part of those interviewed that the persons pushing for accountability are Blacks. The conditions under which the issue of accountability arose as an issue in the school system were seen to be related to an increasing Black political awareness and power, and increasing Black awareness of educational disadvantage. (Author/JM)