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Creating and using research-based information to make sound decisions and improve the quality of education for all learners

Since 1966, the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory (NWREL) has been working with schools and communities to improve education for children, youth, and adults.

NWREL's Center for Research, Evaluation, and Assessment serves anyone who needs data-based information to make decisions, improve effectiveness, or document work-from principals, teachers, and superintendents to decisionmakers in state, federal, corporate, and nonprofit organizations.

Research—

Our Research Unit provides a variety of research services and collaborates with others on innovative research projects. Services include consulting on research design, data analysis, interpretation of results, and presentation of findings. Staff members also assist in reviewing, interpreting, and synthesizing available research on important topics. Research projects run the gamut from descriptive studies to quasi-experimental and randomized trials. The unit is also taking a leadership role in developing practical models for experimental research in schools to enhance the rigor of new education programs, policies, and systems.

Evaluation—

Our evaluation experts provide a full range of services. We can work with you to develop needs assessments, help you understand the current condition of your organization, create new programs, study programs, and develop plans to support continued improvement, and provide documentation of results. We plan and provide program evaluations that comply with federal or state mandates for program accountability. We also provide professional development and technical assistance so your staff can build, manage, understand, use, and effectively communicate information about your program. Other services:

• Grant-writing assistance
• Data collection, analysis, and presentation
• Database development and Web integration
• Language and literacy research and development including effective American Indian and Alaska Native educational practices
• Evaluation of reading programs, including Reading Excellence and Reading First
• Evaluation of educational technology and distance education projects and programs

Assessment—

We work with schools, school districts, states, and other agencies to implement the high standards called for in federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) initiatives. We develop and conduct workshops for principals and teachers on student assessment and the use of assessment results, and provide tools and assistance for the collection of data on school characteristics and teacher practices. We also support teachers in practical ways that help them improve their students' learning, particularly in the area of writing:

• 6+1 Trait™ Writing training, dissemination, and classroom materials—NWREL's acclaimed 6+1 Trait™ Writing model provides a framework and common language for developing good writing skills by integrating instruction and assessment. The model focuses on seven key qualities: ideas, organization, voice, word choice, fluency, conventions, and presentation.
• The Traits of Effective Spanish Writing promotes students' development of writing skills in Spanish through the analytical assessment of their compositions.

About Us:

Under the direction of Dr. Robert Rayborn, our staff includes experts in program evaluation; educational measurement; research design; mathematics and language arts assessment; social, cognitive, and educational psychology; data analysis and statistics; organizational administration and management; information technology; information management; and educational uses of technology. In addition, we have ready access to a wide variety of educational and organizational improvement resources within NWREL, throughout the Regional Educational Laboratory network, and across the nation.

Center for Research, Evaluation, and Assessment
Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory
101 SW Main St., Suite 500
Portland, OR 97204

E-mail: radera@nwrel.org
Telephone: 503-275-9558 or 800-547-6339
Fax: 503-275-0450
www.nwrel.org

Also in this section...

• Centers of Excellence
  • Center for Classroom Teaching and Learning
  • Center for School and District Improvement
  • Center for School, Family, and Community
  • Center for Research, Evaluation, and Assessment
• Programs
• Focus Areas
• Projects