The purpose of this 2-day hearing was to determine what the federal role should be in sponsoring educational research and development (R&D) and the extent to which the nation's research agenda reflects America's key educational priorities. Thirty-nine statements, letters, and supplemental materials are presented. The Office of Educational Research and Improvement's proposal concerning funding for a center on the study of the education of disadvantaged students is discussed. Educational R&D efforts by the House of Representatives, and the Administration's commitment to educational research are considered. Shifts away from basic research between 1980 and 1985 toward dissemination have undermined the research enterprise across the entire Department of Education (DOE). Issues discussed include: literacy and reading, school improvement and effectiveness, bilingual education, accountability, school finance, the business community's role, educational achievement, education for poor and at-risk populations, dissemination, education information, demonstration research, educational testing and evaluation, coordination, communication, cooperation, and excellence in education. Enhanced federal education research programs, research laboratories, centers, and information bureaus are needed. Educational R&D efforts must be conceived within the context of the interdependent nature of the research/development/dissemination triad, since the impact of R&D knowledge depends upon how effectively that knowledge is delivered to educational practitioners and policymakers. It is recommended that the DOE needs to establish a National Education Information Dissemination Policy. (TJH)