The purposes of this paper are (1) to describe background and current content of the Agenda for the United States Department of Education's assessment of the Chapter 2 block grant; (2) to stimulate discussion of the structure and approaches proposed; and (3) to solicit ideas and comments from state, local and university researchers. To meet these objectives, this paper is organized into background of the research and evaluation plan, the plan itself and a summary of purpose. The aspects of the development of the research and evaluation plan include the law and program structures, the organization of the work to develop and implement the plan in the Department of Education, and the body of advice and guidance received from outside the Department. The plan is included as Attachment 1. It divides issues into five categories, addressing implementation at three levels (Federal, State, local) and outcomes at two (accomplishment of general legislative goals and of specific State or local programmatic goals); lists when information will be available; shows sources of information in general terms; shows earlier ideas and changes; and emphasizes Department (or Federal) activities but shows applicability of other things under way as they become available. (PN)