The development of an effective educational system in Poland in the postwar years was based solidly on educational research. This study identifies the major research agencies operating in Poland and spells out their basic missions, then explains how educational research is organized systematically through government planning. The impact of this research has been notable in such areas as locating schools, planning for manpower development, adopting new educational methods, improving textbooks and the curriculum, addressing student failure and needs for remedial education, rearing children, and developing new subject-area teaching methods. Still, it is noted, not all research-based recommendations have been or can be acted upon. In addition to the areas already under investigation, the most important research problems facing Poland today are how best: to provide universal and effective secondary education, to link school with work, and to modernize teacher education. (PGD)