Before discussing plans for the National Institute of Education (NIE), the author briefly reviews some of the research products of the Office of Education including the comparative school mathematics program, individually prescribed instruction, microteaching, intermediate science curriculum study, and Sesame Street. The Institute will be a separate agency within HEW, responsible for the planning and direction of research and development at all levels of schooling. The director, who will be a Presidential appointee, will be assisted by a National Advisory Council. There will be at least two kinds of functioning groups--task forces addressing major problems and study groups seeking to understand the nature of the processes of education at a deeper level. The Institute's objectives will include 1) seeking new knowledge and insights into educational experience through basic research; 2) seeking useful alternatives in educational practice; 3) strengthening the research and development capability through the stimulation and training of new scholars; and 4) undertaking the invention and perfection of ways to deliver educational innovations known to be successful. The Institute will assume most of the activities now conducted by the National Center for Educational Research and Development. The new National Foundation for Higher Education will encourage the demonstration and adoption of promising practices in higher education. (MBM)