about the program

Education in the western region, and nationwide, can be substantially improved through better use of research evidence. This mission drives the Regional Educational Laboratory West (REL West) in its work with policymakers and educators in its four-state region — Arizona, California, Nevada and Utah.

Like the other Regional Educational Laboratories, REL West conducts both long-term rigorous evaluations of promising interventions and short-term, fast response projects to inform immediate action. REL West communicates research-based information to the region and the nation in ways that are understandable and tailored to the needs of the audience, through print publications and online events. Staff also help educators and policymakers interpret evidence and evaluation methods.
In sum, REL West advances evidence-based education and student outcomes by:

• producing causal evidence about what works;
• supporting the use of the highest quality evidence available to inform regional decision-making and practice; and
• fostering a culture of evidence-based education around the region.

"We believe our REL West work strengthens the empirical, scientific evidence that is available and used in education practice and policy," says Gary Estes, REL West Director.

We also maintain a page of useful links in each state and at the federal level.

The contents of this and related web pages were developed by WestEd drawing on information developed under various contracts in which WestEd served as the Western Regional Educational Laboratory. However, these contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.