An overview is presented of the background and proceedings of a conference planned to share information on dissemination and utilization research conducted by National Institute of Education sponsored projects in educational laboratories and R&D centers in order to form a community among those who share similar research objectives and problems. Included in the report are papers prepared by participating projects and commentaries by conference consultants. The papers describe the background, research approach, problems, and issues of each project. The individual papers focus on topics such as urban education programs and research planning, teachers centers exchange, school-based interactive research, school improvement processes, bilingual education, and individualized schooling. A listing of projects and labs/centers is also provided. (DS)