CEDR places a special emphasis on the practical applications of research, especially those findings that help teachers and administrators improve their professional skills. The best way to understand the scope and character of works published by the PDK Educational Foundation and the Center for Evaluation, Development, and Research is to examine the annual PDK International catalog and to peruse individual publications. The books published by Special Publications and CEDR reflect a broad range of professional interests and topics. What Schools Are For, now in its second edition. Others are more narrowly focused, such as Kenneth Chuska's Improving Classroom Questions and Jack Lyne's Schoolhouse Dreams Deferred.
Works tend to be highly focused and practical.
The Special Publications fastbacks were initiated in 1972 as a series of short, authoritative publications for educators at all levels. Sixteen new titles are published annually, eight each fall and spring. Of nearly 500 titles, some 150 are currently in print. More than 8 million copies of the various titles have been disseminated. Many are practitioner-oriented, but the series also has room for program profiles and occasional philosophical pieces.