Regional Education Laboratories: Home Page

The Regional Educational Laboratory Program (REL) consists of a network of ten laboratories that serve the educational needs of a designated region by providing access to high quality scientifically valid education research through applied research and development projects, studies, and other related technical assistance activities.

REL Northwest releases report on "New and experienced teachers in a school reform initiative: the example of Reading First" (Nov 9)
This study compares the experiences and perceptions of new and experienced teachers in 235 schools in six western states (Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Washington, and Wyoming) that have adopted the Reading First school reform initiative. » more info

REL Northwest releases report on "Indian Education Policies in Five Northwest Region States" (Oct 26)
In this comprehensive effort to study Indian education policies, the report categorizes the policies of five Northwest Region states based on 13 key policies identified in the literature and describes the legal methods used to adopt them, such as statutes, regulations, and executive orders. » more info

Methodologies Used by Midwest Region States for Studying Teacher Supply and Demand (Sep 28)
This report describes how state education agencies in the Midwest Region monitor teacher supply, demand, and shortage; details why they monitor these data; and offers estimates of the monetary costs incurred in performing such studies. » more info

NCEE Releases a REL Report on Models of Response to Intervention in the Northwest Region States (Sep 8)
This report provides information on the response to intervention (RTI) models supported by state education agencies in the Northwest Region and identifies states' RTI-related resources, policies, and activities. » more info

Analysis of the Developmental Functioning of Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education Populations in Oregon (Aug 24)
This study reports on the developmental functioning levels of children from birth through age 2 in early intervention services and children ages 3—5 in early childhood special education services at the time of entry into services, using data from the Oregon Early Childhood Assessment System. » more info

Archive | Calendar of Events

Improving the REL program: A new vision for our ten Regional Education Laboratories. We need feedback on resources and services educators need most. Click here to learn how you can help.

RELs focus on evidence that matters for wise use of education dollars

The regional educational laboratories are engaged in a major dissemination effort across their regions to share the latest findings from IES evaluation research and reviews of "what works" with practitioners. The REL events are innovative, interactive forums with education practitioners, policymakers, and researchers.

These times of funding uncertainties lead many to ask what research evidence exists that can inform decisions, such as the use of federal education stimulus funds or the policy and practice options at the school, district, or state level. The REL events are designed to introduce the latest evidence on selected topics, helpful for all committed to getting the most educational value from education dollars.

Click here to view the REL events calendar

News From The RELs

REL Event Draws National Audience — "Do we have to provide a label for a child to give the services he or she needs?" asked Dr. Alexa Posny a presenter at REL Southeast's recent conference, Using Research to Strengthen Response to Intervention (RtI) Decisionmaking and Implementation. More than150 participants, including representatives of the U.S. Department of Education, state education agencies, and local education agencies from 35 states addressed this and other key questions at the March 2009 event. The conference also drew participation and collaboration from nine of the ten RELs and Comprehensive Regional Assistance Centers. (more info)

Media attention paid to a recent REL West study illustrates the relevance and timeliness of REL's research agenda. "Reenrollment of High School Dropouts in a Large, Urban School District" (REL 2008 – No. 056) garnered in-depth coverage in Education Week and Education Daily, as well as several stories in a local San Bernardino, California newspaper, the Press-Enterprise. The REL West study followed a cohort of first-time ninth graders in California's seventh largest school district, the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD), to answer the question, what happens to high school dropouts who reenroll? (more info)

Research about high–risk student populations was the focus of REL Northeast and Islands’ second Policy Challenges Conference, held at the Providence Biltmore Hotel, Providence, RI on March 5 and 6, 2008. Over 100 educators, researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders representing all states and jurisdictions in the REL Northeast & Islands region attended the conference. (more info)

REL Reports

The regional educational laboratories provide research–based technical assistance to educators and policymakers though applied research and development that include rigorous studies and fast response projects. The reports that result from fast response projects has been turned into two ongoing web-based series—Issues & Answers and REL Technical Briefs. The overall intent for both series of reports is to provide educators and policymakers with credible scientifically based research on a regular basis. All Issues & Answers and REL Technical Briefs are required to undergo external peer review to ensure that these reports meet the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) standards for scientifically valid research before being published online.

REL Headlines

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