This document presents the national plan for research and development (R&D) in adult education and literacy that was developed by the National Institute for Literacy (NIFL). The document begins by explaining the process used to develop the plan, which included conducting a literature review, obtaining input from a national steering group, and conducting 11 focus groups representing various stakeholders (adult learners, teachers, state and local administrators, and researchers). The plan's objectives, which are as follows, are listed: build on existing knowledge; consider the utility of research from other fields; support other research planning efforts; incorporate strategies for disseminating results to the field; allow researchers to locate research projects and describe specific projects' benefits within a national research framework; and provide potential funders with a list of priority areas in need of R&D. Presented next is the actual plan, which includes sections on the following topics: (1) adult learning, recruitment, and persistence; (2) types of instruction that work best; (3) learner assessment and program evaluation; (4) staff development; and (5) policy and structure. A model for linking research to improvements in policy and practice is described, and its implications are discussed. Lists of steering group members and focus group participants are appended. (MN)