Regional Educational Laboratory Program

The U.S. Department of Education intends to negotiate Change Orders, pending the availability of funds, for an additional sixth year with the current 10 Regional Educational Laboratory contractors. The authorization for the Regional Educational Laboratories program is under Title I - Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002, Part D, Section 174, (20 U.S.C. 9564), administered by the Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance. The Regional Educational Laboratories were funded by the Institute of Education Sciences to bridge research, policy, and practice to serve state and local education agencies, communities, and schools. Under the guidance and direction of their governing boards, the laboratories conduct applied research and development, disseminate knowledge about best practices, and provide technical assistance. The laboratories also assess the educational needs of their regions, provide opportunities for state and regional gatherings on vital topics, and work jointly as a laboratory network. These contracts provide educators, policymakers, researchers, and the public with both original research on pressing issues in the region and reviews of the best scientific evidence on the effectiveness of specific interventions such as programs, products, practices, and policies, to improve important student outcomes.