The major objectives of this paper are to identify and examine those areas most critical to the effective management of a research and evaluation department in a large urban school system. The paper focuses on the organizational structure and management concerns of the Philadelphia school district's Office of Research and Evaluation. The scope, priorities, and organization of the office are examined as well as clientele served, funding, and concerns and solutions. Performance objectives are included in the presentation of the office's five principal units--Administrative and Survey Research Services, Instructional Research and Development Services, Testing Services, Priority Operations Evaluation Services, and Federal Evaluation Resource Services. (Author/IRT)