The fourth year of federal court desegregation (1977-78) promised stability and continuity to the Boston public schools. Instead it brought confusion, frustration and anger, although there have been no serious disruptions inside the schools for the first time since desegregation began in 1974. (Author/AM)

Early one morning, September 8, 1965, Operation Exodus unfolded. Poor black parents, with much community support, initiated a school busing program whereby several hundred black children of all ages between five and 14 were to be bused from nearly all-black schools in the black community to predominantly or all-white schools in surrounding…

The initial black community response to the desegregation plan submitted by the School Department is contained in this document. The principal purpose is to make clear to the court that in evaluating this plan, or any other, improvements in the quality of schooling is sought. Efforts to rid the Boston schools of discriminatory pupil placement are…