The oral testimony and prepared statements of educational researchers and practitioners comprise this record of a hearing on the proposed national research and development center for the effective education of disadvantaged youth. Committee members expressed concern about Department of Education Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI) accountability in funding and review processes for the proposed center. The failure of OERI administrators to testify was noted. The idea of "learning grant colleges," based on the agricultural extension programs of land grant institutions, was forwarded as a delivery system for research, development, and dissemination. Testimony suggested that the plan for the proposed center reflected too little commitment to the educational needs of the disadvantaged and too little input from advocates and knowledgeable persons. Argument was made for distribution of funding among existing centers, and systemic responses to developmental needs of the disadvantaged. Commitment to the premise that all children can learn was advanced as a critical step in the process. The following issues were seen to require careful consideration: (1) student role ascription; (2) collaboration; (3) governance; (4) grant awarding; (5) funding; (6) dissemination; and (7) systematic equity. A key role for educational technology in disadvantaged education was urged. Increased academic involvement and decreased partisan interference in education were recommended. (AF)