The research shows that high-quality birth-to-five programs for disadvantaged children can deliver a 13% per year return on investment—a rate substantially higher than the 7-10% return previously established for preschool programs serving 3- to 4-year-olds. Significant gains are realized through…

Sixty-three percent of eighth-graders took a music class and 42 percent took an art class in 2016. While average scores and coursetaking are not significantly different from 2008,regional and gender score differences are apparent. However, lower percentages of students reported…

To investigate whether increasing risk and challenge in primary school playgrounds influences interactions between children. Intervention children reported higher odds of being happy at school and playing with more children than control children. Although intervention children indicated they were pushed/shoved…

This study examined the impact of the Early Warning Intervention and Monitoring System , a systematic approach to the early identification of and intervention with students at risk of not graduating from high school on time. The study randomly assigned…

To better understand the challenges facing our educators, we analyzed data on teacher salaries and median rents in 50 U.S. cities. In almost a third of cities (primarily located on the coasts), teachers spend more than 30% of their income…

This REL West research report examines Algebra I repetition rates of English learner students based on whether these students were reclassified as English proficient and, if so, how long it took them to be reclassified.  The report also compares the…

Most state departments of education across the U.S. recommend or require that school districts use a home language survey as the first step in identifying students who qualify for English learner student services.  Many parents and educators have concerns that…

This report looks at changes in several key characteristics of the teaching force between the 1987-88 and 2011-12 school years, including the number of teachers, the level of teaching experience, and the racial/ethnic diversity of the teaching force. The report…

A student listening circle engages and supports students to share their experiences and ideas on important school topics with adults. The circles are designed to enable students to collaborate in planning and implementing school improvement practices.  This study, produced by…

A growing body of research identifies school climate as an important aspect of students’ education experience and one that, when positive, can be a factor in improving academic achievement results.  Many schools, districts, and other education agencies understand how to…

Schools throughout Arizona are grappling with a teacher shortage as fewer young people enter the profession and experienced teachers are leaving the classroom. We often hear the obvious solution: “Pay teachers more.” While pay is certainly a factor – probably…

Graduation season is a time of big dreams and immense pressure for soon-to-be job seekers across the nation. But finding employment is no small task. And what many job-market entrants ultimately seek is a career, not just a job. They…