The law establishing Maryland's program of full State funding of public school construction costs became effective as of July 1, 1971. This report describes the beginnings of the program, traces its development, and attempts to appraise its effectiveness. In preparing the report, the author reviewed minutes of the various agencies and committees involved with the program; examined available published materials; elicited information and opinion with respect to the operation of the program from local school and government officials, architects, and contractors; and interviewed members of the Board of Public Works, the Interagency Committee, and other State officials. The material is organized according to (1) educational data on the characteristics of the State and the 24 school districts; (2) the State's philosophy and methods of financing public education up to 1971; (3) statements about the events preceding adoption of legislation and the text of the law as adopted; (4) the development of a structure to administer the law; (5) the present operation of the program; and (6) program evaluation. (Author/MLF)