The conference "Balancing Research and Practice" comes at a crucial time, when the lessons learned from the NIE program must inform its follow-up activity (TIE, or technology integration in education). As we proceed, the lessons learned by the NIE PI community on research and practice provide a wealth of information on which to build. NIE projects have made substantial strides towards reforming the daily practice of classrooms and school districts. It is important that lessons be analyzed and synthesized for the next step to be as informed and productive as possible. We must build on ongoing achievements, and engage in "action research" as a community. The on-line discussions and their synthesis during the conference will assist the Foundation in the twin processes of evaluation and design. Nora Sabelli Sr. Program Director Research, Evaluation and Communications