Research for Better Schools (RBS) has operated INROADS, a career development program for minority youth, for 13 years and the High School Academies, a work-study program aimed at potential high school dropouts, for 14 years. RBS found that a new approach to educational research and development was needed when working in partnership with the private sector. Using Scriven's concepts of goal and role and adding the concept of method, RBS developed a research strategy that draws from several models: qualitative and quantitative, summative and formative, analytic description and policy information. This approach, which became known as the potpourri strategy, was found to be useful not only for identifying needs but also for developing specifications meeting those needs. Research using the strategy showed that both programs needed a stronger staff development component, and specified the content of each staff development program, as well as how they should be structured and delivered to INROADS and Academies staff. With these guidelines, self-instructional modules were developed for each staff group and field tested. Both sets of modules are currently being used by INROADS and the High School Academies. RBS concluded that the potpourri approach was a valid research strategy that has intellectual integrity and validity as a research method. They found this approach particularly well suited for their research effort in support of two business/education collaborations. (KC)