Presents the views of six former presidents of the American Educational Research Association (AERA) on the future of the AERA and of educational research in general. Most, although not all, agree that the AERA should become more politically active than it has been and should adopt positions on specific educational policy questions. (SLD)

Six deficits of this model are discussed: disparity in proponent prowess, fallible arbiters, excessive confidence in the model's potency, difficulties in framing the proposition in a manner amenable to adversary resolution, "a cat's-paw for biased decision makers," and, excessive costs. (Author/JM)

Supports the contention that current attempts to improve the quality of university instruction represent meagre efforts due to insufficient commitment, and a lack of resources, both in finances and in personnel. (AM)

Traces ten years of the American Educational Research Association's research training efforts through a description of the development of the training operation itself, its staffing and supervision, its financial and unresolved problems. (Author/SF)

Carefully collected, quantifiable evidence must be assembled regarding not only the content representativeness of a test but also the significance of that content. In addition, the concept of "adequacy of preparation" should be seen as separate from the issue of content validity. (Author/GC)

Beginning educational researchers are advised to do the following: (1) choose a research focus with reference to events in the real world of education; (2) augment research with products and services to bring about improvements in educational practice; and (3) find an honest critic to review research work. (SLD)