REL Midwest Blog
Welcome to the REL Midwest Blog, where you can find stories about our partnerships, projects, priority areas, and more. Have a story idea? Send it to us at relmidwest@air.org.
All Posts
Taking steps toward competency-based education
By Cora Goldston | September 27, 2021
How can you tell when a student truly knows the material? Competency-based education is one approach. Find out how REL Midwest is supporting a shift to competency-based education in Minnesota.
REL Midwest study explores teacher supports to promote teacher retention
By Mia Mamone | September 20, 2021
For states and districts addressing teacher shortages, a new REL Midwest report identifies teacher supports that were associated with teacher retention at the local level in Michigan.
By Joni Wackwitz | September 15, 2021
A new study from REL Midwest examined the use of enhanced coaching for teachers as part of a broader professional development initiative to improve early literacy instruction and achievement in Chicago Public Schools.
Career and technical education: Providing pathways to increase workforce equity
By Sara Mitrano, Kyle Fagan, and Kelly Reese | August 12, 2021
Two district-level practitioners in Indiana shared how their career and technical education programs are using equity-focused strategies to increase access and prepare all students for success beyond high school.
Learning for a lifetime and the power of relationships
By Jessy Newman | July 22, 2021
As educators plan for in-person learning this fall, they have an opportunity to rebuild after the disruption of the pandemic with a focus on what matters most for learning and development. In this blog post, an expert on social and emotional learning explores the power of relationships to bolster student re-engagement and achievement.
By Maggi Ibis | July 22, 2021
REL Midwest facilitators of a virtual networked improvement community in Minnesota recently wrapped up a year of work and reflected on their challenges and lessons learned, particularly during the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic.
By Jill Bowdon | June 28, 2021
After the disruption of the pandemic, many districts and schools hope to accelerate younger students’ growth in reading. Although this task may seem daunting, research on reading suggests three concrete steps educators can take to meet this challenge.
Using data to achieve equitable outcomes
By Sara Mitrano | June 28, 2021
Two REL Midwest coaches answer questions on how they help partner districts and organizations apply continuous improvement processes to achieve equitable outcomes.
By Joni Wackwitz | June 28, 2021
At the request of state policymakers, REL Midwest examined whether the characteristics and outcomes of Indiana and Minnesota students who focused on career and technical education in high school differed from the outcomes of other students.
By Joni Wackwitz | May 18, 2021
As more students return to the classroom, a REL Midwest toolkit can help districts identify learning changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic and take action to address students’ learning needs.
Networked improvement community celebrates progress in using data to improve student credit recovery
By Maggi Ibis | May 18, 2021
A Minnesota networked improvement community of alternative learning centers recently celebrated progress toward improving student credit recovery rates and, ultimately, high school graduation rates.
Resource roundup: Supports for summer learning
By Sara Mitrano | May 18, 2021
As the 2020/21 school year comes to an end, we rounded up resources from across the REL network to support educators as they create their summer learning plans and prepare for fall 2021.
Resource roundup: Evidence-based strategies to cultivate early literacy skills as schools reopen
By Sara Mitrano | April 26, 2021
Check out these resources and events from the REL network and the What Works Clearinghouse to explore research and strategies for supporting early childhood literacy development.
New REL Midwest report explores what keeps teachers out of the classroom in Michigan
By Cora Goldston | April 14, 2021
A REL Midwest report examines why some certified teachers do not teach in public schools and explores incentives that could motivate teachers to return to the classroom.
By Maggi Ibis | March 15, 2021
A new REL Midwest report examines how Indiana high school students’ performance on indicators of college and career readiness and early college success varied by the type of high school that students attended.
By Maggi Ibis | March 15, 2021
Educators interested in evaluating networked improvement communities (NICs) can adapt the tools and processes described in this REL Midwest report, which presents the results from an evaluation of a NIC focused on improving graduation rates at alternative learning centers.
New REL Midwest study reveals leaks in Indiana’s teacher pipeline
By Sara Mitrano | March 1, 2021
A new report from REL Midwest analyzes the characteristics of and outcomes for students who pursued an education major in Indiana’s teacher preparation programs.
Actionable district strategies to build a diverse teacher workforce and foster educational equity
By Maggi Ibis | February 22, 2021
REL Midwest researchers are working with district leaders in Racine, Wisconsin, to conduct continuous improvement cycles that advance recruitment and retention strategies to create a more diverse teacher workforce.
It takes a village to support early literacy
By Yolanda Knight | February 22, 2021
Yolanda Knight, program director of the Steans Family Foundation, describes how North Lawndale READS, an early literacy initiative in Chicago, partners with schools and community groups to support equitable access to learning.
By Joni Wackwitz | February 9, 2021
REL Midwest studied reading achievement across kindergarten and grade 1 for two Illinois districts and found that gaps among student groups widened over time.
Our 2020 accomplishments: REL Midwest year in review
By Sara Mitrano | January 21, 2021
Despite unexpected challenges in 2020, REL Midwest advanced our mission to help states and districts use data and research to improve student and teacher outcomes. Check out all we accomplished!
By Sara Mitrano | January 21, 2021
REL Midwest studied participation and outcomes for a Wisconsin professional development program designed to guide schools in implementing culturally responsive practices. Learn about our findings.
Strategies for creating inclusive workplaces and retaining Black teachers
By Maggi Ibis | January 21, 2021
Check out REL Midwest’s new video and webinar on creating inclusive school environments to support the retention of Black teachers, a high-level strategy for improving Black students’ success.
By Maggi Ibis | December 3, 2020
Illinois district leaders discuss the challenges of providing play-based learning in remote settings and creative solutions educators are using to engage young learners at home.
Gear up for college: Expanding Black and Latino students’ postsecondary opportunities and readiness
By Laura Checovich | December 3, 2020
REL Midwest provided trainings to the Chicago GEAR UP Alliance on effective and practical strategies for supporting Black and Latino students along their pathways to higher education.
Resource roundup: Continuous improvement cycles
By Cora Goldston | December 3, 2020
Continuous improvement cycles enable practitioners to test and refine practices in real time. We compiled resources from around the REL network to support continuous improvement and the use of improvement science.
Leveraging research to promote equitable learning opportunities for students of color
By Maggi Ibis | October 28, 2020
District leaders with the Janesville school district share how resources developed through the REL Midwest Achievement Gap Research Alliance are helping them close opportunity gaps and promote educational equity.
By Jameela Conway-Turner and Kyle Fagan | October 28, 2020
Hiring and retaining Black teachers can improve outcomes for Black students, yet Black teachers are more likely than their White colleagues to leave the profession. Learn three actions educators can take to support an inclusive and antiracist workplace.
Resource roundup: Culturally responsive practices
By Cora Goldston | October 28, 2020
National conversations related to social justice and antiracism reinforce the importance of culturally responsive education. Browse these resources from across the REL network for evidence-based recommendations to support culturally responsive practices.
By Susan Bowles Therriault | September 28, 2020
With a new school year underway, educators can use these metrics to assess school and classroom conditions and measure student progress in remote or hybrid learning environments.
By Maggi Ibis | September 28, 2020
Check out our growing collection of training and coaching resources, featuring strategies and tools that support the use of research in practice in areas such as educator effectiveness and teacher preparation.
By Cora Goldston | September 28, 2020
Learn how REL Midwest, the Minnesota Department of Education, and a networked improvement community of teachers worked to improve graduation rates at alternative high schools.
By Jill Bowdon | August 25, 2020
As schools reopen for fall, many will be incorporating e-learning and educational technology. To support young learners, explore these tips to ensure that e-learning is developmentally appropriate.
Resource roundup: Returning to school during COVID-19
By Sara Mitrano | August 25, 2020
School districts across the country have begun to reopen for in-person, remote, or blended learning. We rounded up resources from across the REL network to help administrators and teachers foster positive learning environments amid the uncertainties caused by COVID-19.
Building a diverse teacher workforce through a robust inquiry, planning, and implementation process
By Joni Wackwitz | July 24, 2020
When teachers reflect students’ racial/ethnic and cultural background, the results can be powerful. Learn how REL Midwest is supporting Lansing School District in building a diverse teacher workforce.
Using teacher exit surveys to improve teacher retention
By Joni Wackwitz | July 24, 2020
Teacher departures and turnover can pose serious challenges for schools and negatively affect student achievement. A teacher exit survey can help districts and schools better understand why teachers leave and improve retention.
By Maggi Ibis | July 24, 2020
Schools nationwide are prioritizing a commitment to improving equity in the classroom and beyond. To support these efforts, we rounded up equity-related resources from across the REL network.
A message from our director: REL Midwest’s equity work
By Julie Kochanek, Ph.D. | June 25, 2020
REL Midwest is committed to pursuing equity in our work. In light of current events, our director shares some of the ways REL Midwest is working to promote equity across our region.
Tips from a teacher: Supporting early childhood literacy skills in the time of COVID-19
By Megan Hillegass | June 25, 2020
A prekindergarten teacher shares tips on approaches parents can use to teach young children literacy skills at home.
All discipline is not equal: Reducing district disparities in suspensions and expulsions
By Sara Mitrano | June 25, 2020
In Minnesota, REL Midwest is providing coaching to state agencies on how to use district discipline data to reduce disparities in suspensions and expulsions.
Informed by district-level experience: Spotlight on Matt Linick
By Cora Goldston | June 25, 2020
Learn how researcher Matt Linick draws on his years of experience at the Cleveland Metropolitan School District to inform his work at REL Midwest and serve districts’ needs.
By Laura Checovich | May 20, 2020
REL Midwest teamed up with the Minnesota Department of Education and four alternative learning centers to improve competency-based credit recovery and high school graduation rates.
Assessing district literacy needs: Coaching to turn data into action
By Cora Goldston | May 20, 2020
Find out how REL Midwest worked with the Ohio Department of Education to collect, analyze, and act on data about district reading plans.
Resource roundup: Competency-based education
By Joni Wackwitz | May 20, 2020
Competency-based education, often used in online learning and credit recovery, enables students to learn and advance at their own pace. Browse these resources from across the REL network to learn more.
By Aleksandra Holod | May 13, 2020
We draw on research and the science of child development to highlight three strategies early childhood educators can use to support young learners and their caregivers at home.
A message from our director: REL Midwest’s COVID-19 response
By Julie Kochanek, Ph.D. | April 28, 2020
Like you, we here at REL Midwest have been working to respond to the new challenges we all face. Our director shares some of the actions we’re taking to serve our region during this time.
Plan and deliver: Educating students with disabilities in remote settings
By Teri A. Marx, Ph.D. | April 22, 2020
Explore these promising and evidence-based practices and resources for guidance on supporting and educating students with disabilities in remote settings.
Guidance for navigating remote learning for English learner students
By Rebecca Bergey, Ed.D., and Patricia Garcia-Arena, Ph.D. | April 17, 2020
For guidance on providing remote instruction to English learner students, explore these strategies that build on what we know about the unique experiences and needs of these students.
By Laura Checovich | April 8, 2020
REL Midwest partnered with the Ohio Department of Education and Nationwide Children’s Hospital to screen our newest public television documentary, Healthy Students = Strong Learners, in Columbus, Ohio.
Resource roundup: Equitable school discipline
By Sara Mitrano | April 8, 2020
Many districts and schools are working to develop more equitable discipline policies. To support these efforts, we rounded up resources on school discipline from across the REL network.
Charting new teachers’ trajectories: Reporting statistics on educator preparation program completers
By Cora Goldston | March 25, 2020
REL Midwest provided coaching to the Michigan Department of Education on reporting teacher certification, employment, and retention statistics for each of the state’s educator preparation programs.
Resources at your fingertips: Improved navigation for the REL Midwest website
By Cora Goldston | March 25, 2020
As one of our 2020 resolutions, we have made it easier to find resources on the REL Midwest website. Now our research, videos, infographics, and more are all right at your fingertips.
Resource roundup: College persistence and completion
By Sara Mitrano | March 25, 2020
This roundup of resources from the RELs and other relevant networks highlights factors and strategies that may influence and support college persistence and completion.
By Felice Trirogoff | February 25, 2020
In honor of Black History Month, we highlight how our Midwest Achievement Gap Research Alliance has gone regionwide to improve Black students’ opportunities.
REL Midwest public TV documentary examines Black students’ higher education aspirations
By Laura Checovich | February 25, 2020
REL Midwest hosted two screenings of our new public television documentary High Hopes and Higher Education: Honoring Black Students’ Aspirations in Madison, Wisconsin.
Resource roundup: Career and technical education
By Sara Mitrano | February 25, 2020
February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. To celebrate, we rounded up resources on CTE from across the REL network.
Our 2019 accomplishments: REL Midwest year in review
By Sara Mitrano | January 30, 2020
As REL Midwest embarks on a new year, let’s take a moment to celebrate all we accomplished in 2019. Check out our year in review and companion infographic.
Event recap: Supporting postsecondary success for students with special needs
By Cora Goldston | January 30, 2020
REL Midwest co-hosted an event with the Minnesota Department of Education on helping students in special education prepare for college and a career. Read on for the highlights.
Wrapping up the Iowa Learning and Technology Networked Improvement Community: Impact and resources
By Marshal Conley | January 30, 2020
REL Midwest is wrapping up work with rural Iowa high schools on integrating technology into instructional practice.
Report examines the results and lessons learned from a new statewide kindergarten entry assessment
By Joni Wackwitz | November 22, 2019
A new REL Midwest report examines the results and lessons learned from Illinois’s first statewide administration of the Kindergarten Individual Development Survey.
The ABCs of academic success: A focus on early literacy
By Joni Wackwitz | November 22, 2019
Our Midwest Early Childhood Education Research Alliance is targeting early literacy. Learn about the alliance’s new research and training projects.
Resource roundup: Supporting early literacy development
By Joni Wackwitz | November 22, 2019
Early literacy achievement paves the way for later academic success. Browse these resources from the REL network and the What Works Clearinghouse to support children’s early literacy development.
Video: Findings from our postsecondary pathways report
October 28, 2019
This video explains the key findings from REL Midwest’s study of the education and employment pathways taken by Minnesota high school graduates.
New report finds variation in students’ postsecondary pathways
By Cora Goldston | October 28, 2019
REL Midwest examined students’ college and career outcomes one year and then six years after high school graduation. Learn more about our key findings.
Understanding the landscape of credit recovery in Minnesota
By Laura Checovich | October 28, 2019
REL Midwest worked with the Minnesota Department of Education to identify credit recovery programs and practices in use across the state to support high school students’ success.
Resource roundup: Supporting student literacy at the secondary level
By Joni Wackwitz | October 28, 2019
Browse this collection of resources from the REL network and the What Works Clearinghouse to support students’ reading and writing skills at the secondary level.
Video: Understanding the ESSA tiers of evidence
September 19, 2019
This video explains the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) evidence standards and how they affect school and district leaders’ selection of school-improvement interventions.
Infographic: The state of credit recovery in Minnesota public schools
September 19, 2019
REL Midwest worked with the Minnesota Department of Education to conduct an environmental scan of practices and programs used to support students’ credit-recovery efforts. This infographic summarizes the scan’s main findings.
New report helps education leaders pinpoint and address teacher shortages
By Cora Goldston | September 19, 2019
REL Midwest’s new report explores teacher supply and demand trends in Michigan. Read our blog post to learn about the key findings.
A passion for partnerships rooted in evidence: Meet Dan Frederking
By Laura Checovich | September 19, 2019
Meet REL Midwest’s newest partnership facilitator, who is working with the Midwest Alliance to Improve Teacher Preparation to improve district supports for new teachers in Michigan.
Resource roundup: Strengthening and supporting the teacher workforce
By Maggi Ibis | September 19, 2019
Looking for resources on developing a high-quality, stable, and diverse teacher workforce? Browse this collection of curated resources from across the REL network.
Championing social and emotional learning at the state level
By Maggi Ibis | August 21, 2019
REL Midwest is providing coaching to the Indiana Department of Education on how best to support schools and districts as they integrate social and emotional learning into practice.
Understanding why teachers leave: Developing a teacher exit survey
By Marguerite Huber | August 21, 2019
REL Midwest is providing coaching to the Ohio Department of Education on developing a teacher exit survey to help districts and schools better understand why teachers leave.
Resource roundup: Tools for meeting Every Student Succeeds Act evidence requirements
By Cora Goldston | August 21, 2019
We’ve rounded up tools from around the REL network to help you understand the Every Student Succeeds Act tiers of evidence and meet the requirements using research-based practices.
July 30, 2019
This infographic describes what collaborative research partnerships are, how they can be used to address educational challenges, and key facts about how they are employed by the REL Program.
Closing gaps to support the future workforce
By Marguerite Huber | July 22, 2019
REL Midwest is partnering with the Minnesota Department of Education to support school districts in closing opportunity and learning gaps and preparing students for the workforce.
Resource roundup: Issues facing English learner students
By Laura Checovich | July 22, 2019
We rounded up resources from across the REL Program to help educators and policymakers tackle the issues that face English learner students.
New report examines technology use in instruction in rural schools
By Laura Checovich | July 22, 2019
REL Midwest examined rural Iowa high schools to learn more about teachers’ integration of technology into instructional practice. Read on to see what we found.
New report finds that a positive school climate may support success for English learner students
By Cora Goldston | July 22, 2019
A new REL Midwest report examines the student and school characteristics associated with English learner students’ success in Cleveland. We highlight the key findings and takeaways.
Cultivating and celebrating Black students’ strengths: “Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave”
By Jameela Conway-Turner and Kyle Fagan | June 27, 2019
A recent Wisconsin conference drew on REL Midwest research to promote promising practices for cultivating and celebrating the strengths of Black students.
The power of centering equity in social and emotional learning
By Joni Wackwitz | June 27, 2019
A recent REL Midwest webinar explored the intersections between equity and social and emotional development and showcased practices to promote equitable SEL.
Resource roundup: Summer reads from around the RELs
By Marguerite Huber | June 27, 2019
Add these new resources from each of the 10 Regional Educational Laboratories to your summer reading and watch list.
What happens when high schoolers are given school options?
By Laura Checovich | May 20, 2019
REL Midwest is conducting a study to analyze how students’ high school completion and early college success are associated with different types of high schools. The findings will help Indiana support high-quality practices that improve student outcomes.
Focusing on retention to build an effective and stable teaching workforce
By Marguerite Huber | May 20, 2019
The Midwest Alliance to Improve Teacher Preparation is concentrating on retention in the early years of teaching to build an effective and stable teaching workforce in Michigan.
Resource roundup: School choice and charter schools
By Cora Goldston | May 20, 2019
Curious about school choice? We’ve rounded up research reports and webinars on charter schools and school choice from the REL network.
Empowering districts to use evidence: Building a state clearinghouse of evidence-based interventions
By Laura Checovich | April 23, 2019
With REL Midwest’s ongoing support, the Ohio Department of Education is empowering districts to use research and implement evidence-based strategies that fit district needs.
Hitting the road to promote children’s success in kindergarten
By Joni Wackwitz | April 23, 2019
REL Midwest researchers recently hit the road to promote Illinois children’s success in kindergarten. Read on to explore the tools and resources we shared.
Resource roundup for early childhood educators
By Cora Goldston | April 23, 2019
Are you an early childhood teacher or administrator? Check out our roundup of resources from the Regional Educational Laboratory network and the What Works Clearinghouse!
By Cora Goldston | March 20, 2019
Networked improvement communities are one way that school, district, and state education practitioners partner with researchers. See what REL Midwest has learned from our experiences working with these collaborative partnerships.
REL Midwest public TV screenings provide a deep dive into career preparation in rural communities
By Marguerite Huber | March 20, 2019
Screenings of REL Midwest’s public television program, “Ready for the Future: Career Preparation in Rural Communities,” enable educators to explore the topic in depth with experts from the field.
Resource roundup: Issues facing rural schools and districts
By Laura Checovich | March 20, 2019
We rounded up resources from across the REL program to help educators and policymakers tackle the issues that face rural schools and districts.
By Joni Wackwitz | February 14, 2019
School boards can play a critical role in closing opportunity and achievement gaps. Learn how REL Midwest is working to build the capacity of Wisconsin board members to support Black students.
What did REL Midwest do in 2018? Check out our year in review
By Cora Goldston | February 14, 2019
We tallied up our research, training, coaching, and engagement work in 2018. See what we accomplished this year!
By Marguerite Huber | February 14, 2019
REL Midwest responds to your education research questions through the Ask A REL reference desk. Explore the most recent Ask A RELs on a variety of topics.
Infographic: Integrating a focus on equity into social and emotional learning
January 17, 2019
This infographic highlights strategies for grounding social and emotional learning in a focus on equity to help all children reach their full potential.
Collaborating on the skills new teachers need to succeed
By Marguerite Huber | January 17, 2019
In Michigan, REL Midwest brought together K–12 educators and staff at educator preparation institutions to discuss shared expectations for new teachers.
Partnering with districts and schools to identify research needs
By Joni Wackwitz | January 17, 2019
REL Midwest and the Cleveland Metropolitan School District are partnering to support district and school staff in identifying and prioritizing their research and evaluation needs.
Resource roundup: Research tools
By Cora Goldston | January 17, 2019
We rounded up tools from across the REL Program to help educators and policymakers conduct research and use evidence and data to inform practice.
By Joni Wackwitz | October 9, 2018
REL Midwest and the Illinois State Board of Education are building on the success of their KIDS Data Use workshops with new train-the-trainer workshops in October and November 2018.
Sharing strategies to increase research-based educational practices
By Cora Goldston | October 9, 2018
Explore how REL Midwest is partnering with practitioners to help states, districts, and schools use research to inform practice.
Resource roundup: The transition to kindergarten
By Marguerite Huber | October 9, 2018
Learn more about kindergarten entry assessments and what it means to be school ready with resources from across the REL network.
Building connections to support career readiness
By Cora Goldston | September 21, 2018
Dominique Bradley, the new partnership facilitator for the Midwest Career Readiness Research Alliance, is building bridges between state and local education staff to improve career readiness for all students.
Connecting across contexts: Promising practices to support Black students
By Marguerite Huber | September 21, 2018
Learn how REL Midwest’s new research review and video on promising practices for supporting Black students are sparking interest across the region.
Resource roundup: Supporting career readiness in rural schools
By Joni Wackwitz | September 21, 2018
We rounded up these career readiness resources from the REL Program and the College and Career Readiness and Success Center with rural educators in mind.
REL Midwest events connect research to our region
By Marguerite Huber | August 16, 2018
Get a sneak peek at the events we are hosting in 2018 to help educators learn about and apply the most up-to-date education research to policy and practice.
Using technology to increase depth of learning
By Cora Goldston | August 6, 2018
Learn how REL Midwest is working with regional and school education staff to identify learning technology that could deepen students’ understanding of core content.
Resource roundup: Back to school
By Joni Wackwitz | August 6, 2018
Gear up for a new school year with these curated resources from across the REL Program and the What Works Clearinghouse.
Video: Kindergarten entry assessments
July 25, 2018
This video discusses the need for kindergarten entry assessments, provides an overview of what kindergarten entry assessments are, and explains the uses and benefits of kindergarten entry assessments.
Resource roundup: Knowledge utilization and data use in education
Meredith Lukow | July 25, 2018
This curated list of resources from across the REL Program provides guidance for gathering and using research evidence and data as well as for identifying evidence-based practices.
How can we increase quality educational opportunities for Black students? Conduct a gap analysis
Cora Goldston | July 5, 2018
REL Midwest’s infographic explains how educators can conduct a gap analysis to compare current policies and practices with research on improving educational outcomes among Black students.
Building a coordinated data system to support early childhood education
Cora Goldston | July 5, 2018
REL Midwest is supporting state efforts to coordinate early childhood data to inform multiagency research projects. Learn about challenges and takeaways from building a connected data system.
What is leadership coaching? How REL Midwest is supporting state strategic plans
Cora Goldston | June 22, 2018
REL Midwest conducts coaching to help state education agency leaders navigate change. Learn more about this service and how REL Midwest is helping one agency accomplish its strategic goals.
Meredith Lukow | June 22, 2018
At a recent REL Midwest webinar, early childhood stakeholders reviewed in depth Wisconsin’s process for developing a coordinated data system and learned lessons to apply in their own states.
Supporting the creation of a postsecondary readiness indicator
Marguerite Huber | June 22, 2018
A group of technical assistance providers, including REL Midwest, offered expertise and resources to help the Iowa Department of Education develop its Every Student Succeeds Act postsecondary readiness indicator.
Resource roundup: Summer learning
Joni Wackwitz | June 22, 2018
Grab a cold drink, find a comfortable spot in the sun, and browse our roundup of high-quality resources on summer learning from across the REL network.
Video: Supporting Black students’ excellence
June 22, 2018
Teachers and administrators in Wisconsin’s Racine Unified School District are implementing several strategies to improve educational outcomes for Black students.
Documentary casts light on novice teacher experience
Emily Kirkwood | May 18, 2018
A 2017 documentary from REL Midwest and Detroit Public Television explores research and real stories from Michigan on the novice teacher experience.
Examining teacher shortages and surpluses to improve equitable access to effective educators
Joni Wackwitz | May 18, 2018
REL Midwest is conducting a study to describe trends in teacher shortages and surpluses in public schools in Michigan. The findings will inform state efforts to address teacher shortages.
Resource roundup: Preparing new teachers
Marguerite Huber | May 18, 2018
REL Midwest curated a list of teacher preparation resources, including research reports, blogs, webinars, and toolkits.
Coordinating early childhood state data
Marguerite Huber | April 23, 2018
REL Midwest’s Early Childhood Education Alliance came together to share and discuss the process of creating an early childhood coordinated state data system.
Resource roundup: Early childhood education
Meredith Lukow | April 23, 2018
Looking for research on early childhood education? Check out these recent early childhood resources on the transition to kindergarten, kindergarten entry assessments, program quality, the workforce, and literacy.
Let’s talk about an important benefit of the research alliance structure
Emily Kirkwood | April 23, 2018
A Q&A with three Midwest Early Childhood Education Research Alliance members explores the relationships that they have built through the partnership and how these connections might impact their work.
Assessing kindergarten children’s knowledge and skills
Joni Wackwitz | April 23, 2018
REL Midwest is conducting a study to analyze the results of the first statewide Kindergarten Individual Development Survey in Illinois. The findings will provide a snapshot of Illinois children’s knowledge, skills, and behaviors at kindergarten entry.
Helping kindergarten teachers understand their students and tailor instruction
Cora Goldston | April 23, 2018
Learn how REL Midwest is training teachers on using data from a kindergarten entry assessment to observe and develop students’ individual knowledge and skills.
Exploring the potential of teacher residencies
Natalya Gnedko-Berry | April 12, 2018
The Michigan Department of Education partnered with REL Midwest to conduct two trainings that introduced local stakeholders to teacher residency models and the program characteristics associated with positive outcomes.
Challenges and opportunities in building a teacher-residency program
Anne Tapp | April 12, 2018
Read how a university created and implemented its teacher residency program to respond to teacher shortage problems, with support along the way from REL Midwest.
Introducing the Midwest Alliance to Improve Knowledge Utilization
Meredith Lukow | March 22, 2018
REL Midwest’s newest research alliance aims to learn more about effective strategies for increasing the uptake of research results by state and local education agency staff.
Marguerite Huber | March 22, 2018
Look no further than the Ask A REL reference desk for your education research questions. Check out this compilation of our most recent Ask A REL responses across a variety of topics.
What predicts early college success in Indiana?
Marguerite Huber | March 7, 2018
REL Midwest assisted in understanding the early college success of students entering Indiana’s public two- and four-year colleges, with a specific focus on students receiving financial aid.
Personalized learning: Answering implementation questions
Cora Goldston | February 26, 2018
A new networked improvement community will examine the implementation of Personal Learning Plans for students’ postsecondary preparation.
Bringing a school counselor perspective to our career readiness work
Joni Wackwitz | February 26, 2018
The newest member of the Midwest Career Readiness Research Alliance, Leah Zimmerman, is a licensed school counselor who helps students chart their career paths amid the ever-changing world of work.
Developing future-ready students in rural areas
Marguerite Huber | February 26, 2018
Regional events help inform REL Midwest’s work around rural issues, particularly when it comes to ensuring that students graduate ready to enter the workforce.
Have you seen these recent career readiness resources?
Emily Kirkwood | February 26, 2018
You won’t want to miss these resources from the College and Career Readiness and Success Center focused on the education-to-workforce pipeline and REL Midwest on American Indian education.
Alliance member snapshot: Leah Breen of the Midwest Alliance to Improve Teacher Preparation
February 20, 2018
This video provides an overview of the Midwest Alliance to Improve Teacher Preparation and its important work in Michigan, as described by alliance member Leah Breen.
Alliance member snapshot: Kim Nelson of the Midwest Early Childhood Education Research Alliance
February 20, 2018
This video provides an overview of the Midwest Early Childhood Education Research Alliance and its important work in Illinois, as described by alliance member Kim Nelson.
How can states equip school districts to adopt evidence-based interventions?
Meredith Lukow | February 5, 2018
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires districts to use evidence-based interventions in low-performing schools. But how do districts know which programs meet ESSA’s threshold? Learn how one state department of education is approaching this challenge with help from REL Midwest.
Research alliances: Structures for collaboration
Marguerite Huber | January 26, 2018
REL Midwest is committed to using research in education. Our new video highlights the role practitioners play in driving REL Midwest research activities and describes our research alliance structure.
Culturally responsive practices bring educators together
Marguerite Huber | January 26, 2018
REL Midwest and a regional education agency in Wisconsin convened educators to learn more about the research on culturally responsive practices to help schools improve educational outcomes for Black students.
Resource roundup: Improving outcomes for students of color
Cora Goldston | January 26, 2018
Want more information on how to better support students of color? We have rounded up high-quality resources on the topic, including research reports, infographics, and webinars.
REL Midwest offers workshops to expand data capacity
Marguerite Huber | December 28, 2017
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction collects a substantial amount of school data. To help staff effectively use it, REL Midwest is leading a workshop series on best practices for collecting, using, and sharing data.
Education Week spotlights researcher and practitioner perspectives on online teacher survey
Emily Kirkwood | December 15, 2017
Check us out in Education Week! A former alliance lead and two members wrote about our study on online teachers’ experiences to illustrate a research-practice partnership in action.
New video dives into the details of developing a collaborative research agenda
Marguerite Huber | November 29, 2017
REL Midwest works closely with our partners to develop long-term research agendas. Our newest video provides an overview of this research agenda-setting process and shares tips for how you, too, can develop a collaborative research agenda.
Top 7 facts about REL Midwest in 2017
Meredith Lukow | November 20, 2017
For a by-the-numbers overview of the year, check out these top facts you should know about Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Midwest’s work in 2017.
Sharing RELevant research: The Ask A REL reference desk
Cora Goldston | November 8, 2017
Looking for education research? Learn how our Ask A REL reference desk can help you find relevant research in a snap.
A year of work toward closing the achievement gap
Marguerite Huber | November 8, 2017
The Midwest Achievement Gap Research Alliance has had a busy first year of work, including an environmental scan, a literature review, and an in-person event.
Education research resource roundup
Emily Kirkwood | November 8, 2017
In case you missed them, we compiled a list of REL Midwest reports and other resources that were published in 2017.
Policymaking in Indiana benefits from cross-agency data collaboration
Jim Lindsay | October 18, 2017
The Indiana Network of Knowledge (INK), part of the state’s Management Performance Hub, develops structures, rules, and processes for the state’s longitudinal data system. Using data from this system, REL Midwest partnered with INK to explore the relationship between financial aid and early college success for disadvantaged students.
Research methods workshop series: Building Wisconsin’s capacity for education research
Joni Wackwitz | October 18, 2017
Educators rely on data and research evidence to understand what works. Learn how the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction is partnering with REL Midwest on a workshop series to build educators’ capacity to conduct, understand, and apply research.
Sarah Rand | October 18, 2017
Clinically oriented teacher preparation programs, often referred to as teacher residencies, provide teacher candidates with opportunities to develop instructional skills by working in the classroom under the direction of an experienced teacher.
Collaborating for English learner student success in Cleveland
Marguerite Huber | October 12, 2017
REL Midwest and the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) are collaborating to study the district’s Multilingual Multicultural Education Program and its rapidly expanding population of English learner students.
Meet the NIC member: Michelle Cowell
Cora Goldston | September 27, 2017
Michelle Cowell is an instructional technology consultant for the Central Rivers AEA in Iowa. Cowell tells us how she anticipates the work of the Iowa NIC will complement the AEA’s efforts to improve technology integration in rural districts.
Education technology and continuous improvement resources and events
Marguerite Huber | September 27, 2017
A number of high-quality resources related to continuous improvement and education technology are available online. We curated the following resources, including several from REL Midwest.
Cultural awareness in the classroom: American Indian education and cultural competency
Sarah Rand | September 27, 2017
This post features programs implemented by the Office of Indian Education at the Minnesota Department of Education that are aiming to improve educators’ cultural competence when educating American Indian students.
Collaboration for success: Networked improvement communities
Cora Goldston | September 19, 2017
To explore the use of education technology in rural schools, Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Midwest is working with the Iowa Department of Education, Central Rivers Area Education Agency, and...
Upcoming documentary connects the research on education technology to stories from Iowa
Marguerite Huber | September 19, 2017
Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Midwest has been working with the Iowa Learning and Technology Networked Improvement Community and...
Culturally responsive instruction: Best practices and supports
Cora Goldston | September 19, 2017
This is the second article in a three-part blog series. In this series, Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Midwest takes an...
A partner in continuous improvement: Central Rivers Area Education Agency
Joni Wackwitz | September 12, 2017
In the small towns and farm country of Iowa, technology serves as a key support for students and educators. To strengthen this...
Cultural awareness in the classroom: Kennedy Elementary
Emily Kirkwood | September 8, 2017
In a three-part blog series, Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Midwest takes an up-close look at cultural competency in education...
Career readiness resources and events
Claire Suh | August 25, 2017
A number of high–quality resources related to career readiness are available online. We curated the following resources, including...
Project takes deeper dive into World's Best Workforce plans
Emily Loney | August 25, 2017
REL Midwest is collaborating with the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) to do a 'deep dive' into district World's Best...
State liaison builds coalitions among researchers and local stakeholders
Claire Suh | August 25, 2017
For Taishya Adams, the Minnesota state liaison for Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Midwest, the North Star State is familiar...
Meet the partnership facilitator: Jenny Scala
Cora Goldston | August 17, 2017
Jenny Scala may be new to the Midwest Career Readiness Research Alliance (MCRRA), but this isn't her first collaborative...
Meet the alliance member: Paula Palmer
Joni Wackwitz | August 17, 2017
Paula Palmer, a member of our Midwest Career Readiness Research Alliance (MCRRA), is the director of career and college success...
Meet the alliance member: Chrishirella Warthen-Sutton, Ph.D.
Joni Wackwitz | June 22, 2017
MAGRA member Chrishirella Warthen-Sutton, Ph.D., is the manager of the Office of Family and Community Engagement for the Racine Unified School District...
Task force asks successful educators to share insights about closing the achievement gap
Emily Kirkwood | June 22, 2017
The achievement gap, or the difference in academic performance among different groups of students, poses a significant problem to...
How will MAGRA tackle the achievement gap?
Emily Loney | June 22, 2017
MAGRA will launch two projects in 2017 that support Wisconsin DPI's continued efforts to close the Black–White achievement gap...
Meet the Alliance Member: Leah Breen
Cora Goldston | May 24, 2017
Leah Breen is a member of MAITP and serves as the director of the Office of Professional Preparation Services at the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). Breen is no stranger to REL Midwest–she was a member of the...
Partners use interactive workshops to establish research agenda
Sarah Rand | May 24, 2017
At REL Midwest, our researchers work with practitioners—state education agency staff, teachers, principals, and school administrators—to figure what is important...
New projects investigate teacher pipeline and residency programs
Emily Loney | May 24, 2017
REL Midwest will lead two projects in 2017 that support the Michigan Department of Education (MDE)'s focus on ensuring equitable access to effective teachers...
Meet the alliance member: Kimberly Nelson
Emily Loney | March 27, 2017
Kimberly Nelson is a member of MECERA and serves as the executive director of early childhood for the Rockford (IL) Public School District. Nelson supervises...