Massachusetts is the largest of the six New England states in population, with nearly one million preK–12 students in public schools across three major cities, a dozen small cities, and several rural areas. REL-NEI works closely with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to provide research support on a broad range of questions, helping urban districts reduce achievement gaps and improve low-performing schools. Most recently, REL-NEI has compiled research for the Department’s Center for School and District Accountability on 11 essential conditions for school effectiveness.