Research on the use of knowledge resources in school improvement efforts explores the ways in which new ideas, programs, practices, materials, and technologies become incorporated into the operations of the nation's elementary and secondary schools, and examines the changes these organizations undergo in the process. Attempts at disseminating research findings and implementing programs based on those findings have revealed many problems that can only be resolved with adequate research on knowledge use. This research concentrates on four major topics: the change process that occurs when innovations are attempted; the mobilization period preceding implementation of new programs; the contextual influences affecting implementation; and the ways in which externally-generated knowledge enters the school environment. This discussion of the current state of research on knowledge use includes descriptions of 10 active projects funded by grants from the National Institute of Education and concludes with brief analyses of three areas that will receive emphasis in the future. (Author/PGD)