A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Foreword

The National Educational Research Policy and Priorities Board (NERPPB) is charged by Congress to advise the United States on the federal educational research and development effort. Since its establishment by the Educational Research, Development, and Improvement Act of 1994, the Board has undertaken systematic investigation on the dimensions and scope of educational research and development, much of which has been carried out under the auspices of the Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI) of the U.S. Department of Education and by its predecessor, the National Institute of Education. We have emerged from this study more firmly convinced than ever of the importance of sound, cumulative research in education.

At the same time, we must acknowledge that there are serious shortcomings in the present research and development system in education—in its funding, structure, organization, approaches, and even its goals and objectives. Apart from our own firsthand observations of OERI and other federal agencies, we have consulted widely with the key stakeholders—educators, families, and researchers—about the changes and improvements that will correct our course and lead us to the advancements that we seek.

This document is the first comprehensive statement on research in education that draws on our own systematic inquiry over the past 4 years. We have made recommendations for legislative and administrative changes that we are convinced are necessary to improve the research, development, and communication of research activities sponsored by the federal government. We hope these findings will be helpful and constructive, particularly in light of the consideration by this Congress of the authorization of the Office of Educational Research and Improvement.

Readers are encouraged to respond and to address their comments to

National Educational Research Policy and Priorities Board
80 F Street NW, Suite 100
Washington, DC 20208­7564
E-mail: nerppb@ed.gov

Kenji Hakuta
Chair
National Educational Research Policy and Priorities Board

[NERPP Board]

[Acknowledgments]