The Regional Educational Laboratory West (REL West) at WestEd—serving Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah—is part of a national network of 10 RELs whose purpose is to link research, policy, and practice. RELs collaborate with education partners to provide applied research, analytic support, coaching, training, and other resources to increase the use of high-quality data and evidence to inform decisions.
REL West work is carried out in partnership with state and local education agencies, institutes of higher education, educators from preschool through college, and community organizations. The work is focused on high-leverage issues that are priorities for local partners and that aim to substantially improve education outcomes. During the 2022 to 2027 REL West cycle, the Lab is focusing on several key issues with partners, including:
Multilingual, bilingual, and heritage language (MBH) learners
Supporting the use of research and evidence to select interventions, design programs, and implement strategies in ways that reflect a contextualized understanding of the strengths and needs of MBH learners and support their achievement.
Mathematics and literacy instruction
Providing technical support to implement, study, and refine evidence-based strategies for mathematics and literacy instruction that will lead to improved outcomes in student achievement.
Support of the whole child
Leveraging cross-sector collaboration to improve student outcomes that support academic learning, such as reducing chronic absence, improving physical and mental health, and strengthening family engagement and support.
Educational equity
Accelerating partners’ efforts to address disparities in outcomes for students of color and other underserved populations to establish the necessary educational conditions to help students thrive and succeed.
Teachers and leaders across Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah provide access to REL research and supports through webinars, infographics, videos, and e-newsletters. REL West also organizes events that bring together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to learn deeply about an issue and consider approaches to education improvements.
Visit the REL West website on the Institute of Education Sciences platform for more information.
