CNA is a non-profit, federally funded research organization with over 60 years of experience in advising local, state, and federal agencies. CNA's Institute for Public Research directs REL Appalachia, a federally-funded research laboratory authorized by the Education Sciences Reform Act and supported by the Institute of Education Sciences. The RELs serve the educational needs of their regions by providing access to high quality, scientifically valid education research through applied research and development projects, studies, and related technical assistance activities. CNA operates the REL under a five-year competitively renewable contract.
Follow the links above to learn more about REL Appalachia's governance, research and consulting partners, and staff.
Mission
REL Appalachia's mission is to enhance student performance and close achievement gaps in the region by helping officials and practitioners to craft effective policy, set higher academic standards, and improve classroom practice.
REL Appalachia pursues this mission through five core activities:
- REL Appalachia assesses regional education needs by conducting a thorough, ongoing analysis of research, technical assistance and applied analysis needs of state and local education policymakers and education practitioners.
- We conduct research in the form of long-term experimental studies and short-term data analyses designed to address challenges faced by educational policy makers and practitioners.
- Our technical assistance and training program supports education agencies and educators through applied analysis and research conducted by our unique field scientist program, by designing and hosting "research to practice" professional development events and conferences, and by producing research and issue briefs.
- We coordinate with other RELs by sharing information and collaborating on research across the national REL network to support national efforts to improve education.
- We coordinate with other RELs by sharing information and collaborating on research across the national REL network to support national efforts to improve education.