The Planning and Research Branch is a service branch of Alberta Education which provides information to planning and policy makers within Alberta Education to assist in making realistic decisions about educational directions and programs. This guide presents information about the operation of the Branch and reports in capsule form on a selection of research projects completed from July 1, 1979 through June 30, 1980. Abstracts describe the purpose, design, findings, conclusions, recommendations, bibliographic information, and distribution of each research project. Topics researched included: (1) second language instruction; (2) alternative schooling; (3) computer assisted instruction; (4) elementary school mathematics; (5) energy conservation; (6) bilingual programs; (7) gifted children; (8) enrollment projections; (9) female students' participation in physical activities; (10) pupil transportation; (11) special education; (12) inservice education; and (13) work experience programs. (CJ)