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January 2012


From the Director's Office

Did you know?

The REL program's primary mission is to help states and school districts systematically use research and data to answer important issues of policy and practice with the goal of improving student outcomes. REL research and technical assistance addresses issues of regional importance that often are of national concern, as well. For example, they will address issues related to improving early childhood education; identifying and retaining effective teachers and principals; adopting and implementing rigorous academic standards and assessments; increasing college readiness, access, and completion; and improving low-achieving schools.

IES Awards Contracts for Regional Educational Laboratories

The New Year marked the start of new 5-year contracts for the Regional Educational Laboratories (RELS).

Each REL will build research capacity and a knowledge base by assisting states, districts, and schools in using their data systems; conducting high quality research and evaluation; providing opportunities for practitioners to learn about the best education research; and helping education policymakers and practitioners incorporate data-based practices into regular decisionmaking.

The RELs will carry out these priorities primarily through "research alliances"—partnerships among practitioners, policymakers, the REL and others to develop a thorough understanding of an education issue of concern.

To learn more about the new RELS, please click here.