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REL Appalachia

Ask A REL

Ask A REL is a collaborative reference desk service provided by the ten Regional Educational Laboratories (RELs) and functions much in the same way as a technical reference library. It provides references, referrals, and brief responses in the form of citations on research based education questions.

For archived responses from REL Appalachia, we invite you to browse the categories below.

Interested in additional resources such as infographics, videos, and presentations? Visit our Additional Resources page.

May
2021
What are the behavioral outcomes of students who experience delayed kindergarten entry or retention in kindergarten or first grade?
November
2020
What does research say about measuring teacher well-being, stress, and burnout after a crisis event?
May
2020
What challenges do students experience when re-entering school after a crisis or extended school closure, and what strategies can educators use to support student needs during re-entry?
January
2020
Does family engagement or involvement in a child's education support non-academic outcomes (for example, behavior, school engagement, substance abuse, community engagement, family functioning)?
December
2019
How does K–12 students' proper use of prescribed medications relate to later substance abuse and misuse?
June
2019
What are some promising practices to address racially motivated hate crimes and promote a positive school climate in middle and high schools?
February
2019
What are academic and behavioral outcomes associated with student mobility due to school consolidation, particularly at the elementary school level?
February
2019
What are the short- and long-term academic and behavior outcomes associated with mentoring for at-risk students?
October
2017
What does the research say about the cost-effectiveness or cost-benefit of nonacademic supports provided in schools, including services or programs focused on family engagement, health, chronic absenteeism, discipline/behavior, and school climate/culture?
August
2017
What is the evidence on interventions for supporting the social-emotional and educational progress of foster children, particularly those who are justice-involved or who have experienced trauma?
November
2020
What strategies can schools use to broaden participation from underrepresented student groups and promote gender equity in career and technical education (CTE) programs?
February
2020
What is the evidence base for the effectiveness of college visits for middle school and elementary school students?
November
2019
How do performance-based diplomas and education programs (also known as proficiency-based, competency-based, and mastery-based programs) affect student outcomes?
October
2019
Are standardized test scores or high school GPA more predictive of college enrollment and retention for rural students?
September
2019
How is self-directed learning defined and operationalized in the context of career readiness and workforce development?
March
2019
What does the research say about frameworks, constructs, and existing tools or methodologies for measuring career readiness?
March
2019
Which states are expanding early postsecondary opportunities for high school students (for example, dual credit courses, Advanced Placement courses, International Baccalaureate programs)? What policies, practices, and funding mechanisms are critical to their success?
February
2019
What does research show about online career and technical education (CTE) programs and their outcomes, including those offered by K–12 systems and those offered by community colleges?
November
2018
What practices or strategies can educators use to promote or develop a culture of high expectations for students?
   
October
2018
What strategies have state policymakers and other state agency staff implemented to improve college access and success?
October
2018
What practices or strategies can help to increase FAFSA completion among low-income students and families?
   
September
2018
What are strategies for successfully engaging families in postsecondary planning and transitions?
   
September
2018
What strategies do schools use to promote soft skills and how do those skills relate to later employment and success?
September
2018
How are soft skills defined and measured in education and the workplace?
   
September
2018
What does research say about the implementation or impact of academic and career plans, particularly about counselor implementation of these plans?
June
2018
From parents' perspectives, what are the key barriers to college application, enrollment, and persistence for their children?
June
2018
What does the research say about how high- and low-performing students benefit from career pathways or career academy programs?
May
2018
Are high school attendance rates associated with college enrollment, persistence, and completion?
   
October
2017
What is the relationship between student mathematics achievement and the number of high school mathematics courses a student takes or that a state requires? How many mathematics courses do other states require?
June
2017
What research is available about communication strategies that help rural students and their families understand the potential benefits of going to college and postsecondary education and training programs and are associated with (or impact) college-going behavior?
June
2017
What research is available about the role of student empowerment in strengthening students' preparation for and success in college and careers?
September
2019
How is self-directed learning defined and operationalized in the context of career readiness and workforce development?
June
2019
What are best practices in the development and administration of customer surveys, including those that can be used by state education agencies to survey families, school and district leaders, and teachers?
May
2019
What evidence exists of the effectiveness of using academic case management as a strategy to support low-performing students in elementary or secondary schools?
February
2019
What are state policies regarding reading and math assessments in grades K–3? Is there any evidence that some K–3 assessments are better than others at accurately measuring student learning and informing instruction?
February
2019
What evidence exists that assessment accommodations for English learners in the subjects of reading and math (a) are appropriate and effective for meeting individual students' needs to participate in the assessments, (b) do not alter the constructs being assessed, and (c) allow for meaningful interpretations of results and comparison of scores for students who need and receive accommodations and students who do not need and do not receive accommodations?
February
2019
What evidence exists that assessment accommodations for students with disabilities in the subjects of reading and math (a) are appropriate and effective for meeting individual students' needs to participate in the assessments, (b) do not alter the constructs being assessed, and (c) allow for meaningful interpretations of results and comparison of scores for students who need and receive accommodations and students who do not need and do not receive accommodations?
September
2018
How are soft skills defined and measured in education and the workplace?
   
Mar
2018
What does the research say about project-based learning (PBL) and performance tasks for improving and assessing student learning in secondary school English language arts (ELA) and social studies classes?
October
2017
What does the research say about the cost-effectiveness or cost-benefit of nonacademic supports provided in schools, including services or programs focused on family engagement, health, chronic absenteeism, discipline/behavior, and school climate/culture?
June
2017
What available research or resources are related to designing and implementing performance-based assessments in science and mathematics at the elementary school level?
May
2017
What does the research say about the equivalency of scales on early grades (PK-4) literacy universal screening and progress monitoring measures (specifically: AIMSweb, easyCBM, STAR, DIBELS, iReady, NWEA MAP)?
May
2021
What are the behavioral outcomes of students who experience delayed kindergarten entry or retention in kindergarten or first grade?
May
2021
What are interventions or components of interventions that promote early numeracy skills for students performing below grade-level benchmarks?
April
2021
What does the research say about professional learning models and opportunities that equip teachers to promote early math skills, particularly early numeracy, for students in preK through grade 3?
May
2020
What are evidence-based kindergarten readiness activities parents can do with their children at home?
   
June
2019
What does the research say about the association between handwriting instruction and reading development in early childhood (PreK–grade 3)? What interventions exist to improve handwriting for young children?
March
2019
What types of instructional strategies are used for teaching Spanish or other foreign languages to nonnative speakers during early childhood?
February
2019
What are state policies regarding reading and math assessments in grades K–3? Is there any evidence that some K–3 assessments are better than others at accurately measuring student learning and informing instruction?
June
2018
What research is available about the effects of opioid or heroin prenatal exposure on learning and development?
October
2017
What are the pros and cons of a K-2 elementary school grade configuration, particularly in comparison with a K-5 model?
May
2017
What does the research say about the equivalency of scales on early grades (PK-4) literacy universal screening and progress monitoring measures (specifically: AIMSweb, easyCBM, STAR, DIBELS, iReady, NWEA MAP)?
January
2021
What is the impact of Culturally Relevant Teaching (CRT) professional development and training on K–12 student academic outcomes?
February
2020
What does the research say about state policies and programs to promote culturally responsive instruction, equity and inclusion, positive school climates, and to counter implicit bias in schools?
December
2019
Does coaching improve high school teachers' instructional practice and self-efficacy?
   
October
2019
What peer-reviewed research has been done on the implementation and effectiveness of interactive notebooks?
   
July
2019
What is the impact of preservice and inservice math training for special education elementary school teachers on student and teacher outcomes?
   
August
2019
What classroom management strategies, particularly for middle and high school teachers, are supported by evidence of effectiveness?
June
2019
How does a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) or STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) approach to gifted programs affect students' math or science outcomes and their attitudes about math and science?
May
2019
What evidence exists of the effectiveness of using academic case management as a strategy to support low-performing students in elementary or secondary schools?
May
2019
What are some research-based practices for closing racial, socioeconomic, and disability-based achievement gaps in science for elementary, middle, and high school students?
April
2019
How do open educational resource (OER) initiatives impact student or teacher outcomes in K–12 settings?
April
2019
What research is available on state-level teacher leader or master teacher programs, including impacts of these programs on teacher retention and student outcomes?
March
2019
What types of instructional strategies are used for teaching Spanish or other foreign languages to nonnative speakers during early childhood?
January
2019
What are the school- and classroom-level components necessary for an effective middle school literacy program?
December
2018
What are evidence-based strategies or approaches to science instruction for secondary students and how do they impact student outcomes?
December
2018
What are the effects of sustained teacher professional development in elementary mathematics on teacher confidence and mathematics content knowledge?
December
2018
What does the research say about the impact of block schedules on student outcomes in secondary schools?
   
November
2018
What practices or strategies can educators use to promote or develop a culture of high expectations for students?
   
November
2018
What are characteristics or components of effective programs or strategies that promote the development of school leaders?
November
2018
How does clustered grouping impact gifted and non-gifted student outcomes?
   
September
2018
What does research say about the implementation or impact of academic and career plans, particularly about counselor implementation of these plans?
Mar
2018
What does the research say about project-based learning (PBL) and performance tasks for improving and assessing student learning in secondary school English language arts (ELA) and social studies classes?
December
2017
What is the impact of tracking in mathematics in grades 5-8 on students' mathematics achievement and future mathematics pathways?
October
2017
What is the impact of adding classified staff (for example, instructional assistants) on student outcomes in a K–12 setting, particularly in elementary schools?
June
2017
What type of mathematical skills and knowledge predict success in algebra I? What does the research say about strategies or interventions to improve algebra readiness (particularly in middle school)?
June
2017
What available research or resources are related to designing and implementing performance-based assessments in science and mathematics at the elementary school level?
July
2020
What are evidence-based, hands-on math activities elementary and middle school students can complete with parents or caregivers at home during the summer months?
June
2020
What is the research on planning inclusive and culturally responsive school events for families? What does the research say with respect to specific strategies to increase participation of diverse families in school events?
May
2020
What does research say about the best ways educators or organizations can engage families in reading with their children from early childhood to grade 8?
May
2020
What are effective approaches or strategies for promoting community and family engagement in math learning in elementary school? What is the impact of community and family engagement on math outcomes?
February
2020
What literature exists related to the role of rural schools in community development?
January
2020
Does family engagement or involvement in a child's education support non-academic outcomes (for example, behavior, school engagement, substance abuse, community engagement, family functioning)?
June
2019
What are best practices in the development and administration of customer surveys, including those that can be used by state education agencies to survey families, school and district leaders, and teachers?
October
2018
What practices or strategies help to increase FAFSA® reapplications among enrolled postsecondary students and their families?
October
2018
What practices or strategies can help to increase FAFSA completion among low-income students and families?
   
September
2018
What are strategies for successfully engaging families in postsecondary planning and transitions?
   
September
2018
What are successful strategies for family engagement in rural schools?
   
June
2018
From parents' perspectives, what are the key barriers to college application, enrollment, and persistence for their children?
October
2017
What does the research say about the cost-effectiveness or cost-benefit of nonacademic supports provided in schools, including services or programs focused on family engagement, health, chronic absenteeism, discipline/behavior, and school climate/culture?
June
2017
What research is available about communication strategies that help rural students and their families understand the potential benefits of going to college and postsecondary education and training programs and are associated with (or impact) college-going behavior?
February
2021
What does research say about students' science performance when literacy is integrated with science instruction at the secondary level? What are some best practices to incorporate literacy into secondary science instruction?
June
2020
What early reading instructional practices support successful independent reading for early elementary students?
May
2020
What are evidence-based kindergarten readiness activities parents can do with their children at home?
   
May
2020
What does research say about the best ways educators or organizations can engage families in reading with their children from early childhood to grade 8?
January
2020
What are promising practices for implementing RTI at the secondary level to support student outcomes?
   
February
2019
What are state policies regarding reading and math assessments in grades K–3? Is there any evidence that some K–3 assessments are better than others at accurately measuring student learning and informing instruction?
February
2019
What evidence exists that assessment accommodations for English learners in the subjects of reading and math (a) are appropriate and effective for meeting individual students' needs to participate in the assessments, (b) do not alter the constructs being assessed, and (c) allow for meaningful interpretations of results and comparison of scores for students who need and receive accommodations and students who do not need and do not receive accommodations?
February
2019
What evidence exists that assessment accommodations for students with disabilities in the subjects of reading and math (a) are appropriate and effective for meeting individual students' needs to participate in the assessments, (b) do not alter the constructs being assessed, and (c) allow for meaningful interpretations of results and comparison of scores for students who need and receive accommodations and students who do not need and do not receive accommodations?
January
2019
What are the school- and classroom-level components necessary for an effective middle school literacy program?
Mar
2018
What does the research say about project-based learning (PBL) and performance tasks for improving and assessing student learning in secondary school English language arts (ELA) and social studies classes?
May
2017
What does the research say about the equivalency of scales on early grades (PK-4) literacy universal screening and progress monitoring measures (specifically: AIMSweb, easyCBM, STAR, DIBELS, iReady, NWEA MAP)?
May
2021
What are interventions or components of interventions that promote early numeracy skills for students performing below grade-level benchmarks?
April
2021
What does the research say about professional learning models and opportunities that equip teachers to promote early math skills, particularly early numeracy, for students in preK through grade 3?
July
2020
What are evidence-based, hands-on math activities elementary and middle school students can complete with parents or caregivers at home during the summer months?
June
2020
What are evidence-based digital math games that elementary and middle school students can play at home during the summer?
May
2020
What are evidence-based kindergarten readiness activities parents can do with their children at home?
   
May
2020
How do math attitudes and/or a growth mindset relate to elementary math achievement? Are there instructional practices or interventions that support development of positive math attitudes and/or a growth mindset?
May
2020
What are effective approaches or strategies for promoting community and family engagement in math learning in elementary school? What is the impact of community and family engagement on math outcomes?
January
2020
What are the outcomes for students who take Algebra I in grades 5, 6, 7, or 8 compared with students who take Algebra I in grade 9 or later?
January
2020
What are promising practices for implementing RTI at the secondary level to support student outcomes?
   
July
2019
What is the impact of preservice and inservice math training for special education elementary school teachers on student and teacher outcomes?
   
June
2019
How does a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) or STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) approach to gifted programs affect students' math or science outcomes and their attitudes about math and science?
March
2019
What middle school math interventions show a high level of effectiveness for students with disabilities, particularly interventions that involve coaching for teachers or those based on NCTM process standards?
February
2019
What are state policies regarding reading and math assessments in grades K–3? Is there any evidence that some K–3 assessments are better than others at accurately measuring student learning and informing instruction?
February
2019
What evidence exists that assessment accommodations for English learners in the subjects of reading and math (a) are appropriate and effective for meeting individual students' needs to participate in the assessments, (b) do not alter the constructs being assessed, and (c) allow for meaningful interpretations of results and comparison of scores for students who need and receive accommodations and students who do not need and do not receive accommodations?
February
2019
What evidence exists that assessment accommodations for students with disabilities in the subjects of reading and math (a) are appropriate and effective for meeting individual students' needs to participate in the assessments, (b) do not alter the constructs being assessed, and (c) allow for meaningful interpretations of results and comparison of scores for students who need and receive accommodations and students who do not need and do not receive accommodations?
December
2018
What are the effects of sustained teacher professional development in elementary mathematics on teacher confidence and mathematics content knowledge?
December
2017
What is the impact of tracking in mathematics in grades 5-8 on students' mathematics achievement and future mathematics pathways?
October
2017
What is the relationship between student mathematics achievement and the number of high school mathematics courses a student takes or that a state requires? How many mathematics courses do other states require?
June
2017
What type of mathematical skills and knowledge predict success in algebra I? What does the research say about strategies or interventions to improve algebra readiness (particularly in middle school)?
June
2017
What available research or resources are related to designing and implementing performance-based assessments in science and mathematics at the elementary school level?
November
2020
What strategies can schools use to broaden participation from underrepresented student groups and promote gender equity in career and technical education (CTE) programs?
October
2019
Are standardized test scores or high school GPA more predictive of college enrollment and retention for rural students?
March
2019
Which states are expanding early postsecondary opportunities for high school students (for example, dual credit courses, Advanced Placement courses, International Baccalaureate programs)? What policies, practices, and funding mechanisms are critical to their success?
February
2019
What does research show about online career and technical education (CTE) programs and their outcomes, including those offered by K–12 systems and those offered by community colleges?
October
2018
What practices or strategies help to increase FAFSA® reapplications among enrolled postsecondary students and their families?
October
2018
What strategies have state policymakers and other state agency staff implemented to improve college access and success?
   
October
2018
What practices or strategies can help to increase FAFSA completion among low-income students and families?
   
September
2018
What are strategies for successfully engaging families in postsecondary planning and transitions?
   
June
2018
From parents' perspectives, what are the key barriers to college application, enrollment, and persistence for their children?
May
2018
Are high school attendance rates associated with college enrollment, persistence, and completion?
   
December
2021
What skills and competencies support effective leadership in rural schools that serve students in poverty?
February
2020
What literature exists related to the role of rural schools in community development?
February
2020
What is the evidence for a place-based learning approach to improve student outcomes, particularly for rural students?
October
2019
Are standardized test scores or high school GPA more predictive of college enrollment and retention for rural students?
July
2019
What does the research say about implementation and best practices for regional or district collaboration for the delivery of educational services to students?
September
2018
What are successful strategies for family engagement in rural schools?
   
November
2017
What are the effects of declining enrollment in rural schools on school services, particularly those with the majority of students eligible for free or reduced price lunch (FRPL)? To what extent are there strategies to address the impacts?
November
2017
What are the unique financial needs of rural school districts, and what strategies or approaches do rural school districts use to address those needs?
October
2017
Are there effective strategies/approaches to teacher licensure (e.g., waivers or alternative teacher certification) that facilitate rural localities' ability to attract and retain teachers?
September
2017
What research is available on the impact of class size on student outcomes in rural settings?
   
June
2017
What research is available about communication strategies that help rural students and their families understand the potential benefits of going to college and postsecondary education and training programs and are associated with (or impact) college-going behavior?
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