Contact: Gail Ribalta
210.558.1902
gribalta@edvanceresearch.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 26, 2007
REL SOUTHWEST RELEASES RURAL RESEARCH REPORT

SAN ANTONIO – The Regional Educational Laboratory – Southwest (REL Southwest), run by Edvance Research (formerly run by SEDL), has released research findings which examine the impact of rural definitions on education policies and practices. The research report, How the Government Defines Rural has Implications for Education Policies and Practices, was developed to assist education professionals, business leaders, policymakers and community leaders with evidence-based research that can be utilized to improve student outcomes in rural schools.

Clearly defining what ruralmeans has tangible implications for public policies and practices in education, from establishing resource needs to achieving the goals of No Child Left Behind. The research documents national and state definitions, as rural has been defined in various ways in reference to population density, geographic features and level of economic and industrial development. Click below to access the research report.

http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/projects/project.asp?id=72

Dr. T. Kenneth James, Commissioner, Arkansas Department of Education, provided his views on the research. “Defining rural is a complex issue. This research provides insight into the education challenges resulting from varied definitions of rural and the potential impact on student achievement. With a great number of students attending rural schools in Arkansas, this research will benefit educators in our state.”

A subsequent research study is being conducted by REL Southwest, with scheduled publication in Fall 2007. The study examines the funding implications resulting from the various definitions of rural.

REL Southwest, at Edvance Research, is one of ten educational laboratories in the Regional Educational Laboratory Network (REL Network). REL Southwest serves the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas and works for the benefit of over 6.5 million students, over 400,000 teachers in approximately 14,000 schools in grades pre-kindergarten through college in this five-state region. The REL Network encompasses ten geographical regions that span the nation with its primary mission being to serve the educational needs of designated regions. The REL Network uses applied research, development, dissemination, and training and technical assistance to bring the latest and best research and proven practices into school improvement efforts.

Educators in the southwest region may obtain technical assistance through the REL Reference Desk by calling 1-877-EDVANCE (1-877-338-2623) or e-mailing RELinfo@edvanceresearch.com.

Founded in 2005, Edvance Research, Inc. is a research enterprise with a mission to be a leader in the advancement of rigorous research, specializing in the education arena. The company is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. www.edvanceresearch.com