ABSTRACT
This introductory chapter offers a definition of educational effectiveness. We also refer to theory and research in educational effectiveness and especially to the importance of establishing a new theoretical framework which, among other things, takes into account the new goals for education, the existence of differential effects of education upon students, and the dynamic relations between the multiple factors of effectiveness. It will be argued that the development of this framework will contribute to the improvement of research, evaluation and practice. Finally, the aims of the book and its structure will be outlined.
