Through the leadership of and partnership with our Governing Board, Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) West asks and seeks to answer: What are the most pressing educational needs in the West Region? How can information on evidence-based instructional practices be conveyed to educators meaningfully, to inform their everyday decisions? Through which avenues can REL West1 and our partners effectively communicate lessons learned from our shared work? As educators, administrators, parents, researchers, and business community members in the West, the Governing Board members bring their unique perspectives to shape our work at REL West.
Under the Education Sciences Reform Act, each of the 10 RELs has a Governing Board that helps to identify needs, provide guidance, and build relationships in their region. The REL West Governing Board is made up of 17 representatives who are passionate about utilizing evidence-based practices to increase student and educator success. They are charged with:
- Identifying and sharing the needs of the education constituency they represent with the REL.
- Providing strategic guidance on REL work and how the REL will carry out its activities for maximum effectiveness and efficiency.
- Leveraging their connections within the region to amplify research and other resources developed by REL West to relevant stakeholders and organizations.
Each member of the Board brings a wealth of experience and expertise to help us understand and prioritize the education needs of the constituency and locale they represent. Our Board has representatives from each of the four states in the West Region: Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah. Click here to view a list of current Board members.
The Board's collective knowledge and areas of expertise include curriculum and instruction, school administration, teacher professional development, serving diverse communities, family and community engagement, data and assessments, and education policy. REL West is honored that this group of leaders is sharing their time and expertise to develop a responsive, impactful portfolio of work.
Here's what some of our Governing Board members have shared about their work with REL West thus far:
"As the superintendent of an elementary school district in Arizona, I have seen firsthand how using evidence-based practices in classrooms helps to improve student outcomes. In my role as Governing Board member of REL West, I am looking forward to working with REL West staff to create effective collaborations that are reflective of local education priorities and student populations."
President, Arizona School Administrators; Board Member, Arizona Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents; Superintendent, Tolleson Elementary School District
"My work with the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools has provided me with the opportunity to guide our districts in understanding the value of data and assessment and to use assessment results in the instructional process. REL West's commitment to utilizing rigorous research practices and data analysis will help assist school districts and administrators to make evidence-informed changes that will lead to improved student outcomes."
President of the Executive Board, California Educational Research Association; Executive Director of Accountability, Compliance, and Grants, Office of the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools
"In serving Nevada's nearly 500,000 students and 750 schools, I am committed to ensuring every student has a clear pathway to thrive in school and life. I am looking forward to working with my REL West Governing Board colleagues to help improve student outcomes by bringing evidence-based resources and tools to all classrooms."
State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Nevada Department of Education
"Incorporating culturally relevant practices in my classroom and centering student voice in my instruction have always been priorities for me as a Title I teacher in Utah. The work of REL West in using research and evidence-based practices to support children of all backgrounds and recognizing the diversity of our student populations is more important than ever before."
National Board-Certified Teacher, Salt Lake City School District; 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year
Throughout the five-year REL cycle, the Governing Board will work closely with REL West staff, to ensure its work remains attuned to the pressing needs of our four-state region, to ultimately improve learner outcomes and advance educational equity.
1 REL West is one of 10 educational laboratories funded by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), the research and evaluation arm of the U.S. Department of Education. The REL West team partners with educators and state and local leaders in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah to make evidence-informed changes that improve student outcomes.
