A number of problems may arise when university-based researchers conduct research in public school districts. Administrators may be suspicious about the value of research activities unless they are given an accurate understanding of its outcomes and benefits. Those conducting research in school systems must ask themselves a number of questions concerning such areas as teacher role in the research program and participation in setting its goals, student participation and its effect on students, and how the results will be used and disseminated. For successful research efforts to take place, the researcher must first gain acceptance in the system, there must be a logical consistency between research stages, and the researcher must collaborate with school district personnel. Research activities will be questioned unless they are useful to the school district. It is especially important to protect the rights of students who participate in research studies. Unless researchers develop guidelines that balance the right to privacy and the need for research, society will endeavor to bring this balance about on its own terms. (Author/JM)