This report summarizes the findings and recommendations of a task force that studied the role of the National Institute of Education (NIE) regarding curriculum development activities in the United States. Primary purpose of the report is to identify and recommend policy options to guide NIE's curriculum development activities. Part 1 contains a variety of findings related to various curriculum development approaches and the role of federal and other educational agencies in curriculum development. Part 2 provides a series of policy options for NIE and discusses some possible consequences of each policy. Part 3 presents the policy recommendations of Harold L. Hodgkinson, at that time the director of NIE, along with a supporting rationale. (JG)