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NORC at the University Chicago

Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Pacific

Frutta di Pandanus tectorius sui rami dell'albero
Supporting the Pacific region to conduct research on educational programs and use evidence to improve student outcomes
  • Funder
    Institute of Education Sciences (IES), U.S. Department of Education
  • Dates
    January 2022 – January 2027

Problem

Educators in the Pacific region need support to expand their understanding of research and evidence use to improve student outcomes. 

Across the Pacific region, education leaders face persistent challenges in improving student outcomes, strengthening teacher effectiveness, and building data-driven decision-making processes, structures, and practices. From low literacy and math proficiency rates to teacher attrition and limited access to locally relevant instructional models, stakeholders in jurisdictions such as American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Hawaii, Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands are seeking actionable solutions grounded in evidence. Funded by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) at the U.S. Department of Education, REL Pacific works closely with education agencies and institutions to co-develop strategies that address high-leverage needs and promote sustainable improvements in teaching and learning through rigorous applied research, training, coaching, and dissemination activities.

Solution

REL Pacific, administered by NORC, conducts applied research, training, coaching, and dissemination to improve education outcomes.

REL Pacific’s work in the region draws on NORC’s expertise in research design, data analysis, and strategic communications. The project includes:

  • Applied Research: Studies on postsecondary placement tests, teacher preparation pathways, literacy interventions, and locally based math instructional models and course taking patterns
  • Training, Coaching, and Technical Support (TCTS): Projects that build educator capacity in data use, formative assessment and stakeholder engagement processes, instructional models, and effective teaching practices
  • Dissemination: Infographics, blogs, webinars, and videos that translate research into accessible formats for educators, policymakers, and the public

REL Pacific emphasizes rigorous methodology, stakeholder engagement, and locally driven approaches. The team collaborates with education leaders to co-design solutions that reflect local contexts and priorities, ensuring relevance and impact. Dissemination efforts are tailored to regional audiences and include local imagery and context.

Result

REL Pacific activities build sustainable systems that support data use, teacher development, and student success.

REL Pacific partnered with education entities across the Pacific region to develop and implement systems that support continuous improvement. Key outcomes include:

  • Increased capacity among education leaders to use data for decision-making
  • Development and piloting of culturally sustaining instructional models in the Federated States of Micronesia
  • Strengthened literacy instruction and formative assessment practices in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
  • Improved math instruction and data use in Guam
  • Enhanced teacher effectiveness strategies in Palau
  • Greater awareness of local education frameworks in the Republic of the Marshall Islands

These efforts have led to measurable improvements in educator practices, student engagement, and institutional planning. REL Pacific’s work is informing policy decisions, accreditation efforts, and professional development programs across the region.

For more specifics on the wide range of projects under this initiative, visit the Institute of Education Sciences’ REL Pacific website.

Project Leads

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Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Pacific

Supporting the Pacific region to conduct research on educational programs and use evidence to improve student outcomes

Funder:

Institute of Education Sciences (IES), U.S. Department of Education

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Evaluating an intervention that distributes tablets with preloaded curriculum content in schools

Funder:

Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
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