The manner in which results and methods are reported influences the ability of the synthesis of prior studies for planning new evaluations. Confidence ratings, coding conventions, and supplemental evidence can partially overcome the difficulties. Planners must acknowledge the influence of their own judgement in using prior research. (Author)

Strength and integrity issues are central to planning and interpreting evaluation studies. In the absence of actual data from previous studies, estimates of strength and integrity can often be derived in other ways. These issues of strength and integrity are described in the context of resource allocation in evaluation research. (Author/BS)

Although educational productivity research has been much debated in school finance litigation, it has proven largely irrelevant to resolution by the courts of broad equity issues raised by the allocation of educational resources among school districts. Relevant court cases and arguments, current legal trends, and possible future directions are…