This paper presents a reflection on how the research program conducted in the Maryland Collaborative for Teacher Preparation (MCTP) informs the evaluation of the project. Three sections present an overview of the MCTP and the MCTP research program, a review of the literature on evaluation and research, and reflections on the use of MCTP research to inform evaluation. This paper centers on three researcher assumptions: (1) a research group's activity is public and evaluation is private; (2) a research group can inform evaluation within a project; and (3) although daily decisions are made through the internal evaluation group, many of the principal investigators feel that the research products will be a longer lasting legacy. The MCTP is an undergraduate program for students who want to become mathematics and science specialist teachers in upper elementary or middle level teachers. (Contains 15 references.)(Author/DDR)