The Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) program, sponsored by the Institute of Education Sciences at the U.S. Department of Education, 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.

RELs work with their regions through Research Alliances. These are groups of key education policymakers, practitioners, and researchers who work with REL staff to identify actionable issues that can be better understood and addressed through using data and research.