ED - Evaluation of Next Cycle of RELs and Comp Centers - MRAS

The U.S. Department of Education, through the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) and its National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance (NCEE), is seeking to evaluate the upcoming cycle of the Regional Education Laboratory (REL) program and Comprehensive Centers (CC) program. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance educational opportunities and outcomes across various educational agencies. The REL program, authorized under the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002, aims to provide research-based solutions to improve education at regional levels. The CC program, authorized by the Educational Technical Assistance Act of 2002, focuses on capacity-building services for state and local educational agencies to help close achievement gaps and improve instructional quality.

The primary objective of this evaluation is to assess how these programs function individually and in combination, with an emphasis on creating a seamless user experience for states accessing these services. The Department intends to recompete up to 10 RELs for the 2027-2031 cycle. By fostering enhanced collaboration between RELs and CCs, the Department expects states will have easier access to technical assistance services tailored to their specific needs, thereby increasing satisfaction levels.

To achieve these goals, IES seeks a comprehensive evaluation that will generate insights into how effectively states can utilize these programs in alignment with their priorities. This involves understanding whether states report increased satisfaction with service alignment as well as identifying any barriers or duplications in accessing support. The evaluation aims not only to streamline service delivery but also ensure that educational agencies receive assistance from providers best suited to meet their needs.