This analysis selectively describes and interprets the main lines and development of the Education Professions Development Act (EPDA). The study attempts to define the intent of Congress in authorizing the EPDA, to outline and explain the Office of Education's structures and actions in implementing the Act, and to chronicle the development and the resultant dollar costs of EPDA programs. Lessons are extracted from the surrounding literature to provide Federal officials and the education profession at large with the benefit of the EPDA's experiences. Research documents included in the report are accompanied by a copy of the original text of the EPDA, as well as by the related Congressional debates, reports, and amendments. (LH)