Describes the development of the American Educational Research Association (AERA) since its establishment in 1915, including growth in membership; influences of Federal support and policy on AERA activities; effects of changes in the Association on AERA annual meetings; and current characteristics of and future prospects for AERA. (Author/MJL)

Describes administrative changes at the National Institute of Education (NIE) over the last four years and relates these to NIE's recent revision of its peer review system. Briefly describes changes in peer review and asserts that the new system provides researchers great opportunity for participation in maintaining quality research. (KH)

One of the ways in which the National Institute of Education (NIE) seeks to increase opportunities for women and minorities in the field of educational research is through the sponsorship of internships or mentorships at the college/university level. This practice was begun in response to a number of studies that showed the correlation between…

Describes evaluation experiences in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, School District. Suggests that use of evaluation results can be maximized through a systems approach that involves developing and monitoring different performance indicators, and tailoring educational practice by focusing corrective action on areas where performance is found to be…

Contract research has increased because of: agencies' time limits; governmental agencies' skepticism about academics' practicality; and a power struggle between government and universities for control of the information production business. Implications of the increase in contract research are discussed and recommendations are made. (MH)