This report describes a summer training institute designed to develop research skills among 30 selected local school district representatives from Kentucky and Appalachia to enable them to serve as research coordinators in their districts. The purpose of the institute was to increase the capability of local school districts to improve their school programs by providing competent research personnel. The following phases of the training program are described: (1) An interdisciplinary seminar; (2) an interdisciplinary lecture series; (3) a research project by each trainee; (4) a research design class; and (5) special sections of classes in educational research, applied statistical methods, and educational sociology. The objectives, content, participants, organization, and major strengths and weaknesses of the program are briefly evaluated. The appendix contains a copy of the institute's brochure, application form, evaluation form, and a list of the trainees. A related document is EA 002 679. (JH)