Central: Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming
Regional Needs
REL Central identifies priority needs in the region for education research and technical assistance through a comprehensive review of state demographic and education system data; interviews with chief state school officers and key state agency staff; and ongoing contact with a variety of constituent groups, including policymakers, principals, and superintendents. Through the integration of these efforts, we have identified five priority needs to guide our work in the Central Region:
- Research-based classroom practice
Providing guidance on research-based classroom practices, especially those that meet the needs of diverse learners.
- Rural education
Meeting the needs of rural schools, particularly in the area of teacher recruitment and retention.
- High school outcomes
Addressing the need for high schools to adequately prepare students for the workforce or post-secondary education.
- Educational technology
Using technology to enhance classroom instruction.
- Teacher Quality
Strengthening teacher quality, particularly in light of NCLB’s “highly qualified” teacher requirement.