Research recommendations concerning learning and development that are appropriate for research and development centers supported by the National Institute of Education (NIE) are offered to the director of NIE. Mission statements are presented on the following areas: literacy (reading, writing, and English skill development); learning and understanding mathematics and science; educational technology; the learning process; and home and community influences on learning. Each mission statement considers the following concerns: the national need, current status of research, need for a center, and priority research topics. The mission statement on the learning process suggests that studies of school learning are needed in a national center where learning, teaching, and schooling are combined, not fragmented. Research topics that are identified for this center include: learning mechanisms, general learning skills, and cognitive analyses of teaching and knowledge transmission. The mission statement concerning educational technology suggests that there is a need for basic research on the social, cognitive, and educational implications of new technology, including computer-based instruction. Finally, it is noted that the proposed center on home and community influences on learning would emphasize individual and group (cultural, economic) diversity and specific handicapping conditions. (SW)