At present there is a lack of theory that would direct curriculum research, and the National Institute of Education (NIE) could profitably direct its efforts toward the development of curriculum and instructional theories. NIE's thrust into curriculum, in addition, would be most acceptable if it were to dexterously guide curriculum development, not by supporting the development of full curriculums, but supporting the fashioning of explanatory models that would stimulate scholars and teachers to develop the entire curriculum with the assistance of the public sector, e.g., foundations and publishers. (DS)