"Viewpoints" is a multimedia package containing two audio CDs and a short, informative booklet. This volume of "Viewpoints" focuses on using scientifically based practices to improve student achievement and teacher effectiveness. The audio CDs provide the voices, or viewpoints, of various leaders from the education field who have worked closely with scientifically based research initiatives. Their voices represent perspectives on the elements of scientifically based research in education and provide a general overview of the movement. This booklet presents information about the recent increased emphasis on using scientifically based research to improve student achievement and teacher effectiveness. It explains new vocabulary, discusses research challenges, and describes how scientifically based research can be turned into effective practice. The booklet also provides an overview of the What Works Clearinghouse and offers resources and tools for using data to make decisions in schools. The essay "The Challenge and Hope of Scientifically Based Research" (Margaret A. Trybus) serves as a companion to the CDs. This essay outlines the elements of scientifically based research and some of the challenges educators face in its implementation. There are guides to understanding the levels of research and resources to investigate the topic further. It may be helpful to read the booklet as an introduction to the topic before listening to the interviews presented on the CDs. [The Audio CD portion of this package is not available from ERIC.] (Contains 2 figures.)