Research to Improve Academic Outcomes for Students By Dr. Melissa Sadorf, Stanfield ESD, ARSA President Elect Across the country, the Regional Educational Laboratories work in partnership with educators and policy makers to develop and use research that improves academic outcomes for students. Since May, 2020, Arizona has participated with the REL Region 15 Comprehensive Center Team in a Rural Community of Practice. Both Arizona Department of Education personnel and ARSA executive board members have participated in the work that the CoP is doing. In addition to Arizona, Region 15 encompasses California, Utah and Mew Mexico. All members of the CoP recognize the unique challenges that rural communities face, especially in the last year with COVID, and come together regularly to share best practices with each other. Just some of the work done with Region 15’s CoP involves laying foundations for practice sharing across the Region. The CoP started its sessions looking at hybrid learning and sharing what is working in the field in the four states. Issues around broadband and access have also been explored. Reopening plans, mitigation plans and the transition back to the school building offered an opportunity to collaborate and share ideas through the lens of communication, different learning models, scheduling, and provision of essential services. Highlighted was the importance of SEL, and a spotlight by Dr. Pate from the National Center to Improve Social and Emotional Learning and School. Additionally, the CoP was able to them overlay the potential of health partnerships to support students, no matter their learning delivery status. The Nevada DOE shared their focus on Indigenous Education called “Essential Understandings for Indian Education” that is currently being (continued on page 16) “Setting the Standard in Arizona for Quality & Service” www.canyonstatebus.com PHONE: 602-230-1515 TOLL FREE: 877-230-1515 Page 11 “Stronger Together!”
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