Regional Needs  |  Projects

Northwest: Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, & Washington

Based on a variety of data sources, methods of investigation, and work in the field, REL Northwest has identified three needs that are most salient to educators and policymakers in the region:

• Turning around low-performing schools (school improvement)—Leading and sustaining improvement efforts in schools identified as needing corrective action or restructuring under ESEA and in schools identified as "the persistently lowest performing" by the state education agencies
• Increasing graduation rates and readiness for postsecondary education and careers (high school and beyond)—Improving secondary education, including academic performance, dropout prevention, transitions to postsecondary education, and college or career readiness
• Achieving greater equity by improving outcomes for all students (equity and special populations)—Reducing disparities in educational participation and performance among student groups based on race (particularly American Indian/Alaska Native), Hispanic origin, family income, and English language proficiency

In addition, the remote and rural areas that typify the Northwest region face particular challenges in the delivery of educational services (distance costs, recruitment obstacles) and in building local capacity for starting and sustaining new policies and programs.