In other cases, the approach's developers and the school systems that use it never got around to conducting a systematic evaluation. This complicated exercise introduced us to excellent developers, enlightened policy-makers, and courageous educators. Together they are improving educational opportunities for children. But it also introduced us to two challenges that confront those concerned about educational improvement. First, the nation's educational research and development enterprise needs to be strengthened.
More research is needed, to be sure.
But just as important, the federal government should invest more in what is known as programmatic research and development. Further, private industry should share this enormous responsibility by investing in ongoing research as well as engaging in the development of school reform programs. That is, funds are badly needed to enable researchers and developers to build on new knowledge to create schoolwide approaches that integrate curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development. Some of the 24 approaches we examined emerged from such a process. More are needed.