Spotlight

A Network of State Support for Educators

AIR works with states to bridge research and practice in education, ensuring all children have access to evidence-based teaching and learning

To ensure that all children—regardless of race, ethnicity, family income, or zip code—have access to a high-quality education, the U.S. Department of Education funds a network of support for states that extends down to the district and school level.

Through the national Comprehensive Centers Program and Regional Education Laboratories (RELs), AIR is building states’ capacity to support their districts and schools—and ultimately improve teaching and learning for all students, including special populations such as English learners and those with special needs.

Image of student in classroomRegional Comprehensive Centers and Content Centers

Comprehensive centers provide technical assistance to states to build their capacity to assist their districts and schools with student achievement. Regional Comprehensive Centers are embedded in their regions and provide support to states in their implementation of federal school improvement programs and initiatives. Content Centers provide in-depth knowledge and expertise in specific content areas. Learn more about AIR's Comprehensive and Content Centers.

Regional Education Laboratories

The Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) program has significantly advanced the quality and reliability of available evidence through its focus on producing and disseminating high quality, rigorous research. RELs serve the education needs of designated regions, using applied research, development, dissemination, and training and technical assistance, to bring the latest and best research and proven practices into school improvement efforts. Learn more about AIR's work with RELs.

Related Projects

Regional Educational Laboratory Midwest (REL Midwest)

The Regional Educational Laboratory Midwest (REL Midwest) helps states, districts, and schools systematically use their data systems; conducts and supports high-quality research and evaluation; and assists educational practitioners and policymakers to incorporate data-based inquiry practices into their decision making. ...

Regional Educational Laboratory Southwest (REL Southwest)

The REL Southwest serves the education needs of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas through eight research alliances, which bring together practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and others to examine and address high-priority regional needs.

Regional Educational Laboratory Southeast (REL Southeast)

The states in REL Southeast's region include schools in rural, suburban, and urban settings which face high poverty, growing populations of English learners, and low graduation rates. At the same time, states are committed to meeting the challenge of higher student standards.
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Education