The program of the 1981 Appalachia Educational Laboratory Forum was based on the theme of improving schools and using research and development. The first section of this report contains summaries of presentations made at the forum. In the first presentation, a discussion is given on outcome-based education, the merits and drawbacks of mastery learning, and the broad goals of education. Classroom management and school effectiveness in the 1980's was the topic of the second presentation. The third presentation offered a proposal for a six year preservice teacher education program. The relationship between state departments of education, school districts, and colleges of education was the topic of the fourth presentation. The final presentation discussed the fundamental questions to be considered in implementing research and development findings in school improvement programs. In the second section of the report, brief descriptions are given of programs in the states participating in the forum. Two papers are appended to the report: "Outcome-Based Instructional Systems", and "Is Creating an Outcome-Based Program Worth the Extra Effort? A Superintendent's Perspective." (JD)