Suggests why qualitative research is frequently neither discussed nor used by the broad public, considering five barriers to making research more accessible, discussing how to make it more germane to problems faced by diverse groups in their everyday lives, and offering constructive ways to make qualitative research findings more accessible to the…

The article discusses questions related to the application of educational research to state public policy, including the characteristics of educational policy which influence the use of research-based information; the most effective kinds of research information; and the best methods for communicating that information to policymakers. (JL)

The point of emphasis in classroom research is shifting away from pure educational theory and toward a descriptive investigation of teaching and learning realities. (LH)

An educative approach to teacher change gives teachers access to new knowledge and understanding in ways that will assist them in taking possession of that knowledge and to work out its implications and its consequences for their own settings and contexts. (CB)

Sex equity research, which compares educational treatment and outcomes of males and females, is defined, and the goals implicit to its conceptual framework discussed. The importance of this research and its implications for policymakers is discussed. Recommendations for researchers, educators, and policymakers are made. (JL)

Research on teaching, learning, and schooling, while extremely helpful, does not translate automatically into prescriptions for change, which requires support, trust, and adaptation rather than inflexible mandates that imply distrust. (CB)

Research about classroom communication, classroom management, training, and staff development form the basis around which teachers can improve their practice. Staff development programs must be dynamic to support and stimulate this process. (CB)

This article considers different ways in which research and policy are connected in an era of educational reform. The relationship between public policy, school reform, and educational research is examined from a political perspective. The article focuses on the uses of research in recent state-level reform activities in Texas. (JL)

An alternative approach to the professional development of educators is described. This approach focuses on the interrelationship between teacher behavior and child behavior and their joint influence on the learning environment. Theory and practice in education are interactive concepts rather than discreet and isolated entities. (JN)

A staff development program that conceptualizes the teacher as "executive," or manager of time factors, curriculum, and instruction would help teachers to deal with the complexities inherent in the modern elementary school classroom. (CJ)

The Stanford/San Jose (California) Teacher Corps project employs school district-university collaboration to carry out research adaptation efforts that bring about changes in curriculum and instruction. Case studies of math, reading, and bilingual education project components are included. (PP)

The article suggests a method for organizing the research on teaching thinking and provides examples of indicators of teacher performance within various domains (hypothesis testing, argument assessment, problem solving, probabilistic thinking, and flexibility). Examples of empirical evidence supporting each indicator are included. (SM)

Socially critical action research in education can be defined as being strategic and critical pedagogic action on the part of classroom teachers aimed at increasing social justice. Five characteristics of socially critical action research are examined: participation, direction, consciousness, constraints, and outcomes. (IAH)

The eight-phase process Ohio uses to address major educational policy questions is briefly described, and its strengths and weaknesses noted. General comments are made about state-level education policymaking. (JL)