This paper discusses methodological issues and strategies that underlie the development of expert software systems that provide research assistance to school practitioners of action research. The following key issues related to the development of expert systems software are examined: developing a knowledge base that represents research expertise; creating flexible development strategies and software environments; and addressing school research practitioners' special consultive needs. In conclusion, expert systems methodology for action research will be most effectively used in conjunction with an extended apprenticeship model, will reformulate how methodological principles are represented, and will improve the training of novice educational researchers. (LMI)