the 1983 Appalachia Educational Laboratory (AEL) Forum brought together educational researchers and practitioners to learn from one another by sharing their innovations, successes, concerns, and progress in utilizing research and development to promote excellence in their state and local education agencies. Two thematic strands: (1) applications of effective schools research and (2) effective applications of technology in schools, were carried out through nine presentations. The keynote address, by Shirley McCune, provides an overview of future directions for education. Examples of applications of school effectivenss research are described by Donald McNeely (New Jersey Education Association), Jack Sanders (Appalachia Educational Laboratory), J. R. Brendell and others (North Carolina), Catherine Prentis and Jim Oakes (Tennessee), Charles D. Duffy and others (West Virginia), and Joseph C. Basile and others (Ohio County, West Virginia). Applications of technology are described by Vicki Cohen (evaluating educational software), Nelson Towle and others (computer use in Florida schools), and Mary Lovern and others (computerized instructional management system in Lynchburg, Virginia). (BW)