In this report of the Panel for the Review of Laboratory and Center Operations to the director of the National Institute of Education, the results of site visits and reviews of long range plans of 17 research and development centers and regional educational laboratories are analyzed. Following a brief overview of the history of educational research and development, three major topics are discussed in detail. The first of these presents recommendations for the support of individual laboratories and centers. The second topic addressed concerns the management of NIE's relationship with the laboratories and centers and offers recommendations. The special importance of dissemination and equality of educational opportunity is the subject of the third portion of the report. (JD)