Agency Overview

Success for every learner is our goal at WestEd. A nonprofit research, development, and service agency^*, WestEd enhances and increases education and human development within schools, families, and communities. And though we know our goal of success is ambitious, it is also within reach. We have been making great strides toward reaching it for over 40 years.

WestEd's more than 500 staff help realize our goal. Located in 16 offices throughout the country, our staff include some of the preeminent leaders in the field of education and human development. Among our specialties are education assessment and accountability; early childhood and youth development; program evaluation; community building; and policy analysis.

Within our agency goal is one special priority: serving underserved populations. Our focus on this service includes a variety of client-focused, nonpartisan, and research-based work that integrates diverse areas of expertise. One such project is SchoolsMovingUp. This WestEd initiative helps schools and districts address the immense challenge of raising student achievement in low-performing schools. SchoolsMovingUp offers a wealth of practical ideas and models for school improvement including profiles of previously low-performing schools across the country that have improved student achievement. It also includes a robust database of resources, proven services, tips, and powerful tools that educators can use in their work with low-performing schools.

WestEd's work stretches to numerous other projects at the national, state, district, school, and individual levels. Our wide base of funding sources ensures WestEd's ability to address the toughest and most enduring challenges of education and human development.

We recognize that learning and healthy development are lifelong, interwoven endeavors. WestEd staff focus not just on what goes on in school, but also in early childhood: in our children's homes, after-school programs, and communities; in the training and development of those who teach and guide our children; and in legislatures and other decision-making bodies whose policies touch all of the above.

Partners help make it work — parents, teachers, administrators, policymakers, child development specialists, members of businesses and communities, and even students. We believe that it is only through such close alliances that effective and lasting solutions can be realized.

WestEd is a member of the trade association, Knowledge Alliance.

Read a brief summary of WestEd's 40-year history.

^* Not a traditional, 501(c)(3)-designated corporation, WestEd is a Joint Powers Agency, authorized by a California Joint Powers Agreement and governed by public entities in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah, with Board members representing agencies from these states and nationally.