Educational Research and Development in the Sixties

In the past decade, research and development did not transform education as many had hoped, but it did introduce new approaches to change and demonstrate convincingly the potential for continuing improvement. One who looks objectively upon the short and uncertain history of the educational research and development organizations funded by the United States Government will discern ineptness in planning and management, bloated expectations punctured by failure, and enough frustrations to confound even the boldest risk-takers. Yet the objective examiner will also note some solid accomplishments in spite of the obstacles, and, if sufficiently discerning, may perceive that power has been generated that promises much for the future.