The “New” Regional Educational Laboratories

INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SCIENCES

Presented by:Dean Nafziger, Ph.D.REL Southwest at Edvance

Research

NCSL ForumNovember 30, 2007Phoenix, Arizona

PurposePurpose

… Aware of REL resources

… How to access these resources

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NLN NetworkNLN Network

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History of LabsHistory of LabsAuthorized in 1965 under the Elementary Secondary

Education Act (ESEA)

1965: Focused on general education improvement

1985: Established priority areas focusing on regions

2005: “A corner turned” with NCLB and ESRAReporting to Institute of Education Sciences

(IES)

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What does What does ““NewNew”” mean?mean?

New competition (2005)New missionNew contractors (4 of 10 regions)New tasksNew staff capabilities

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The REL MissionThe REL MissionProvide policymakers and practitioners high quality, scientifically valid education research

Assist in the evaluation of education policies and programs

Focus on improved student achievement

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Independent research entitiesGoverning BoardDefined by IES contractReport objective, scientifically valid resultsFree of political influence

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Key Characteristics of the Key Characteristics of the LabsLabs

What Labs DonWhat Labs Don’’t Dot Do……

Program or product developmentProfessional developmentGeneral technical assistanceProgram advocacy

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ContrastContrastNewEvidence

Rigorous peer review process of all research

Lab building

Lab network strengthened

OldBroad spectrum

No systematic review process across Labs

Institution building

Labs loosely connected

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The New Look of LabsThe New Look of Labs……..REL’s now have consistent branding

IES network of Labs◦ NLN website◦ Collaboration amongst Laboratories◦ National Reference Desk

Consistent quality

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CompaniesCompanies………………

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……………….. run Labs.. run Labs

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No cost for research

REL branded

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FAQ: How Do I Know When FAQ: How Do I Know When II’’m m Working with the Working with the Lab?Lab?

Advantage of Working with LabAdvantage of Working with Lab

IES funds researchNeutral position on education issues

No stake in outcome of resultsQuality control of research

Resources of Lab network

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Three Kinds of ResearchThree Kinds of Research

1.Needs Sensing / Market Research

2.Fast response studies

3.Randomized control trials

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Needs Sensing & Technical Needs Sensing & Technical AssistanceAssistance

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Solicitation of input from key region constituents:

State interaction• Legislators• State Communication Officers• District Superintendents• Business leaders

Market Research• Quantitative survey to assess education research needs

across multiple constituent groups

REL Reference Desk

Fast Response StudiesFast Response StudiesFocus on student outcomesStudy conducted within 12 monthsExisting data used to conduct research25% focus on rural education

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Randomized Control TrialsRandomized Control TrialsCausalLongitudinal studiesConducted over 4-5 year period

Program effectiveness

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Comprehensive Research Review Comprehensive Research Review ProcessProcess

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Quality Control results inQuality Control results in……

… all Lab products meeting

the same high standard

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Published Research Published Research ReportsReports

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NLN NetworkNLN Network

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NLN NetworkNLN Network

NLN Website address:http://edlabs.ed.gov

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Legislators Legislators –– What Can You Do?What Can You Do?

Call your Lab & describe key legislative issuesSend plans for your legislative analysesSend copies of your offices’ analyses to your LabGive feedback on the usefulness of REL reports

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FAQ: What Constitutes Good FAQ: What Constitutes Good Education Research?Education Research?

Answers specific research questionMethodology appropriately matches questionFindings are consistent with evidenceRigorous reviewReadily understood by constituentsPractical applications resulting in improved student outcomes

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FAQ: How Can Labs Assist FAQ: How Can Labs Assist Legislators?Legislators?

Policy briefs on researchFree research across REL NetworkREL Reference DeskTechnical Assistance

Questions Answered

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Contact InformationContact Information

Dean Nafziger, Ph.D.Lab Director

REL Southwest at Edvance Research 210-558-1902

http://edlabs.ed.gov/RELSouthwestTechnical Assistance

1-877-338-2623

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