The National Adult Literacy Project's research and development agenda, developed through a literature survey and consultation with practitioners and scholars, is elaborated in this paper. Each of the seven topic areas begins with a rationale for its importance and a brief review of relevant research. Proposals for research studies and/or development activities are recommended, and some specific procedural suggestions are made. The seven topics are (1) unique attributes of adult beginning readers; (2) learner diagnosis and assessment, including diagnosis of learning-disabled adults, assessment of job-related skills, assessment of other functional skills, and guidelines for more effective use of tests and development of alternative approaches; (3) staff training; (4) impact of literacy programs on students' quality of life; (5) teacher characteristics and methodologies--the need for cultural sensitivity; (6) technology; and (7) literacy development in other countries. The appendix brings together all of the research and development proposals in a single list. (SK)