This article summarizes "Developing Early Literacy: Report of the National Early Literacy Panel," which was published in 2008.That report provides an extensive meta-analysis of approximately 300 studies showing which early literacy measures correlate with later literacy achievement. It also provides a series of meta-analyses of a comprehensive…

To solve two enduring problems in education--unacceptably large variation in learning opportunities for students across classrooms and little continuing improvement in the quality of instruction--the authors propose a system that centers on the creation of shared instructional products that guide classroom teaching. By examining systems outside…

This article describes the breadth of federal support for educational knowledge production and application. Support from the Education Division of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare is discussed in detail. (Author/MC)

Describes a new theory of multiple intelligences (MI) that identifies seven relatively independent forms of information processing that individuals exhibit in differing patterns. Describes the following MI-related educational research projects: (1) Arts PROPEL; (2) the Key School project; and (3) Project Spectrum. (FMW)

Describes the following organizations concerned with international comparative educational research: (1) the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA); (2) the International Assessment of Educational Progress (IAEP); (3) the Board of International Comparative Studies in Education; and (4) the International…

Describes a $50 million research and development program begun by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) to develop assessment instruments and prototypes for its teacher certification system. NBPTS's mission is to develop a national voluntary certification system for experienced teachers. (FMW)

Describes new directions and initiatives instituted at the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) since 1986 to fill data gaps, raise technical standards, and expand staff resources. Discusses implications for educational research and policy. (FMW)