This Primer is a joint effort of Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning (McREL) and the Education Commission of the States (ECS) to help make education research more accessible to policymakers. ECS provided the original impetus for the project and the Web design, and McREL provided the technical expertise, primarily through the Primer’s author, Patricia A. Lauer.

While the yeoman’s work for the Primer was accomplished by its author, several other people also deserve acknowledgment for their efforts. Michael Allen, of ECS, provided ongoing guidance and served as principal editor. Zoe Barley and Lou Cicchinelli, of McREL, also provided helpful guidance and suggestions. Rick Griffith, of o2 Group, engineered the Primer’s graphic design and Web functionality. Additional editorial review was provided by Barbara Gaddy and Mya Martin-Glenn, of McREL, and Dale DeCesare and Josie Canales, of ECS.

Funding was provided by the U.S. Department of Education, under McREL’s Regional Educational Laboratory contract and through a grant to ECS from the Fund for the Improvement of Education. Particular thanks go to Thelma Leenhouts, program officer for the ECS grant, for her patience and support.