about the program

Education in the western region, and nationwide, can be substantially improved through better use of research evidence. This understanding drives the Regional Educational Laboratory West (REL West) in its work with policymakers and educators in its four-state region — Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah.

Like the other Regional Educational Laboratories, REL West conducts both long-term rigorous evaluations of promising interventions and short-term, fast response projects and technical assistance to inform immediate action. REL West communicates research-based information to the region and the nation in ways that are understandable and tailored to the needs of the audience, through print publications and events. Staff also help educators and policymakers interpret evidence and evaluation methods.

"We believe our REL West work strengthens the empirical, scientific evidence that is available and used in education practice and policy," says Gary Estes, REL West Director.

We encourage you to visit our REL West website. This site contains information about our REL West research studies, upcoming events, staff, and partners. You can also download the REL West Research Digest, a newsletter that highlights both the work of REL West and other federally supported education research.

We also maintain a page of useful links in each state and at the federal level.

The contents of this and related web pages were developed by WestEd drawing on information developed under various contracts in which WestEd served as the Western Regional Educational Laboratory. However, these contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and we ask that readers do not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.