Math Mindset: Transforming the Middle School Math Experience

Math engagement is a crucial building block for middle school learners to understand key concepts, which can help to prepare students for success in advanced math. Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Midwest created this 30-minute documentary in collaboration...
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Middle School Math is an Important Bridge to Lifelong STEM Learning and Success

Middle school is a critical time to capture students’ interest in math. This infographic from the ENgagement and Achievement through Computational Thinking (ENACT) partnership details how middle school math teachers can boost students’ engagement and...
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Supporting Michigan Learners Toward Excellence in Reading

This documentary, produced with Detroit Public Television, explores strategies used by two Michigan districts to accelerate reading growth for young learners. In the program, educators and leaders from Detroit Public Schools Community District discuss...
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The Importance of Student Sense of Belonging

This infographic highlights factors related to student sense of belonging and provides culturally responsive educator practices that may support student belonging and engagement.
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What is REL Midwest?

This video introduces Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Midwest, one of 10 regional educational laboratories funded by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES). Learn more about REL Midwest's work to develop, test, and refine solutions to high-leverage...
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What is Career and Technical Education (CTE)?

REL Midwest staff facilitated a recorded training webinar and developed a set of materials for students and parents describing career and technical education (CTE) and the opportunities available through CTE. The recorded webinar highlights two exemplary...
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Contract in Review: 2017–21

December 14, 2021 Over the past five years, REL Midwest helped states and districts use data and research to improve teaching and learning outcomes. We collaborated with members of five research alliances and one networked improvement community to ensure...
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Estimating Changes to Student Learning in Illinois Following Extended School Building Closures Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the education of students in Illinois and around the nation. Leaders at the Illinois State Board of Education and in Illinois public school districts want to better understand how student learning changed during the pandemic...
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Supports Associated with Teacher Retention in Michigan

Statewide teacher shortages are hindering Michigan's efforts to ensure that all students have equitable access to qualified teachers. Implementing teacher supports—which may be policies, practices, or programs—to increase teacher retention offers a way...
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Using Enhanced Coaching of Teachers to Improve Reading Achievement in Grades PreK–2 in Chicago Public Schools

Chicago Public Schools is working to improve early literacy outcomes through a multiyear professional development initiative for preK–2 teachers. The P–2 Balanced Literacy Initiative aims to improve literacy instruction by training teachers to implement...
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The Effect of Discipline Reform Plans on Exclusionary Discipline Outcomes in Minnesota

In 2017 the Minnesota Department of Human Rights identified 43 local education agencies in the state as being in violation of the Minnesota Human Rights Act for their use of exclusionary discipline practices (suspensions, exclusions, and expulsions) at...
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