By Maggi Ibis
September 28, 2020
From identifying evidence-based practices to effective policies for promoting equity, educators need to understand how to draw on research in their work. The Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Midwest helps build educators’ capacity to use evidence by providing training, coaching, and technical support, and by developing resources such as guides, presentations, checklists, and other tools.
The following is a sample of the growing collection of training and coaching resources available on our website. These resources are designed to help teachers, school and district leaders, state administrators, and policymakers strengthen educator effectiveness, expand school and district capacity to implement new programs and practices, and improve educational outcomes for all students.
Support for identifying evidence-based programs and practices and using research to guide decisionmaking
- Evidence-based practices training for Michigan Data Hub. For guidance in identifying evidence-based programs and practices to comply with the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), see our training on the ESSA tiers of evidence and how they align with evidence ratings used by research clearinghouses—such as the What Works Clearinghouse. For those who want to dig deeper, a follow-up four-part series examines the ESSA tiers of evidence in more depth, including the role of context in choosing evidence-based practices. Resources include presentation slide decks, character cards, and handouts.
- Research methods training. REL Midwest has developed several training series on understanding and applying research to support evidence-based decisionmaking. This five-part series, produced for the Illinois State Board of Education, covers processes for using data and research in practice; methods for collecting data, including surveys and focus groups; reporting research and data visualization; and the fundamentals of research designs. Resources include presentation slide decks, activities, and handouts.
- Continuous improvement through networked improvement communities. To support a networked improvement community of Iowa educators, REL Midwest developed two modules on identifying, testing, and refining practices that promote technology integration in the classroom. District and school leaders can use the modules to guide continuous improvement in various areas. Module 1 focuses on developing a root-cause analysis and theory of action for continuous improvement. Module 2 focuses on creating aim statements and driver diagrams, establishing effective measures, and conducting Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles. Each module includes presentation slide decks and facilitator’s guides.
Support for strengthening equity, opportunity, and social and emotional learning
- School boards and educational equity: Bridging research, policy, and practice. This virtual training, developed for Wisconsin, is designed to raise the awareness of school boards and district leaders about the impact of opportunity gaps experienced by Black students. The training identifies strategies and resources for improving academic opportunities for all students. A recording and presentation slide deck are available.
- Supporting students’ social and emotional learning. As part of a larger set of support for the Indiana Department of Education as it rolled out statewide social and emotional learning (SEL) competencies, REL Midwest hosted two webinars for districts on incorporating SEL into school practices. The webinars focus on SEL for both students and adults. The recording and slides for each webinar are available.
>> Explore REL Midwest’s Training and Coaching Resources webpage to browse the full collection.
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