The Research and Development Exchange (RDx) is a network of regional educational laboratories and university-based research and development centers working to support state and local school improvement efforts. Initiated by the National Institute of Education in 1976, the RDx is composed of eight Regional Exchanges and four central support services. In 1979 members of the RDx agreed to collaborate in the development of a resource base on the identification and validation of promising educational programs, practices, and products. This paper provides a brief history and description of the following validation processes: the Joint Dissemination Review Panel (JDRP); Identification, Validation, Dissemination (IVD); Sharing Business Success (SBS); Project Information Packages (PIPs); and the National Education Practices File. Some of the issues in validation discussed in the paper include replication versus adaptation, the evaluation experience of the project staff, state responsibilities before validation, the degree of rigor applied in validation, and the nature of on-site visits. A bibliography on validation processes and the abbreviated form of original IVD submission requirements are appended. (Author/MLF)