Using an inquiry-based approach to address the challenge of improving schools provides opportunities for informed decision making and carries great promise for return on investment. Taking a collaborative approach toward improvement can be complex, yet also rewarding because of the opportunity to leverage the knowledge and capacity of multiple…

This report is the second from the congressionally-mandated evaluation of the Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) program authorized by the Education Sciences Reform Act (P.L. 107-279). For this report, 8 (out of 24) impact study reports produced by the RELs under their 2006-2011 contracts and published by IES were rated by expert panels for…

This article reviews research on issues surrounding postsecondary transitions for youth in middle (North Central, Central, and South Central) Appalachia, a region that faces numerous education challenges because of its geography, poverty, and economy. Examining published research and data from 1995 to 2015, the review seeks to inform education…

REL Pacific is one of ten Regional Educational Laboratories established and funded by the U.S. Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences. Their region encompasses approximately 4.9 million square miles and serves seven Pacific island entities, including American Samoa; the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; the Federated…

In an effort to bring more knowledge about "what works" to educational practitioners, the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) has made significant investments in developing and disseminating focused, rigorous research projects in order to increase the supply of and demand for this research in educational decision making. These efforts…

The European Qualification Framework (EQF) is intended to transform European national qualification frameworks (NQFs) by moulding them into a learning outcomes framework. Currently adopted as an enabling law by the European Union, the EQF has now operated for several years. In order to secure widespread adoption, however, it will be necessary for…

As a research and technical assistance organization, CNA Education would be the last to deny the importance of good data and the first to applaud efforts to improve the quality and scope of the data available. Solid data are critical to CNA's mission to further general understanding of the efficacy of specific education reform initiatives and to…

This paper examines the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), which has become a major and influential component of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development's (OECD) educational work. This measure of comparative performance of educational systems of member and other nations is based on tests commissioned by the…

This report takes a partial look at the emerging European Higher Education Area (EHEA). It is partial in two ways--the selection of topics for consideration, and the type of information gathered for analysis. Rather than attempting to cover the full range of issues and challenges that need to be addressed to ensure the success of the EHEA, the…

Humanities-based speakers and delegates to the European Commission conference on "Social Sciences and Humanities in Europe: New Challenges, New Opportunities" gathered at the end of the meeting to develop a proactive Humanities special interest group. The result was a round-table conference organized by the Humanities Higher Education…

ON AUGUST 1, 1964, HARVARD GRADUATE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION BEGAN A STUDY TO INVESTIGATE THE FEASIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING A REGIONAL DATA BANK FOR EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH PURPOSES. THE PLAN INCLUDED CONVENING A SERIES OF CONFERENCES OF EDUCATORS TO DETERMINE WHAT SUCH A DATA BANK SHOULD CONTAIN AND WHAT FORM IT SHOULD TAKE. THE STUDY WAS CONDUCTED IN…

Results of a survey designed to determine the procedures which State and Regional Educational Research Associations use to review papers for their meetings are presented. Lists of these organizations, including the names and addresses of contacts, were provided by the Special Interest Group (SIG) chairperson of the American Educational Research…

This study examines the distribution of applicants for small grants, the consequences of being funded, and the processing of proposals. The sample included every applicant submitting a proposal in fiscal 1968. The following data were collected: 1) questionnaires from applicants, both funded and not funded; 2) factual material from proposals…

To help the schools meet society's changing demands, the Saskatchewan Educational Research Association was formed, to stimulate and co-ordinate research efforts. (Author)

The author suggests that we need to build national systems which allow any school district to plug into the most sophisticated sources of information in such a way that they get knowledge and materials which are relevant and timely and truly cost beneficial." (Author/AK)