This conference report summarizes the review of research on reading methods and materials done for Project 3 of the Targeted Research and Development Program on Reading. Critical evaluation of 948 research studies was made using the Gephart model. Of these, 244 studies were judged acceptable. It was concluded that most teachers combined and adapted many methods and much equipment to their particular needs. The existence of so many methods and materials for teaching beginning reading, based on the assumption that if beginning reading instruction is successful all subsequent instruction will also be successful, led investigators to conclude that a change of focus is needed and that more studies need to be done on the effectiveness of specific methods with various groups of older students. It was also concluded (1) that the rush to produce and acquire new materials should be replaced by more careful field tests of new materials before sale and more insistence on effectiveness before purchase; (2) that research on effectiveness of materials and methods should include adequate data on population studied, materials and methods used, and other information which can benefit teachers; and (3) that the present state of research leaves teachers with no evidence around which to design effective instructional methods. References are included. (MS)