Webinar Archives

Findings from an Online Algebra Multiyear Study in Maine and Vermont Schools

December 2011

In this webinar, REL-NEI researchers Margaret Clements, Jessica Heppen, and Kirk Walters presented findings from a rigorous REL-NEI study that examined whether offering an online Algebra I course to “algebra-ready” (AR) grade 8 students enrolled in schools that do not typically offer the course would impact their algebra knowledge and future mathematics coursetaking patterns. The study was conducted in 68 mostly rural middle schools in Maine and Vermont, and the findings were recently published by the Institute of Education Sciences. Webinar participants were invited to submit questions and comments in an electronic chat room. For more information and additional materials, visit the webinar overview page.

State-Supported Formative Assessment Initiatives in New York and Vermont

December 2011

In this webinar, REL-NEI researchers presented findings from an Issues & Answers Report published recently by the Institute of Education Sciences. The report describes the primary components of two state-supported formative assessment initiatives in New York and Vermont and the strategies that state, district, and school leaders used to support implementation. Both initiatives promote a consensus definition of formative assessment endorsed by the Council of Chief State School Officers. Participants submitted online questions and comments. For more information and additional materials, visit the webinar overview page.

Cross-REL Webinar: Developing Preschool Language and Literacy

October 2011

This webinar co-hosted by REL Northeast & Islands and REL Midwest presented research and strategies specifically targeted at developing language and literacy skills at the preschool level. Keynote speaker Dr. Timothy Shanahan provided an overview of research findings from the National Early Literacy Panel’s 2008 report and discussed practical recommendations for education leaders and early childhood educators, including some of those presented on the Preschool Language and Literacy section of the Doing What Works website. Three practitioners reflected on Dr. Shanahan’s comments and shared some of their experiences implementing the recommendations. This webinar was a follow-up to an April 2011 REL-NEI webinar with Dr. Shanahan on improving reading in the primary grades. For more information and additional materials, visit the webinar overview page.

Cross-REL Webinar: Bullying: What School, STudent, and Other Characteristics Are associated with Increased Reporting?

October 2011

This webinar co-hosted by REL Northeast & Islands and REL Southwest offered educators and policymakers in the two regions an opportunity to learn more about the circumstances in which bullying is reported. REL-NEI researchers Anthony Petrosino and Sarah Guckenburg shared findings from an Issues & Answers Report that identified 11 characteristics linked to increased reporting of bullying to school officials. For example, when bullying involved injury, physical threats, destruction of property, physical contact, greater frequency, multiple types, more than one location, or at least one occurrence on a school bus, bullying victims were more likely to indicate that their victimization was reported to a school official. Following the research presentation, bullying prevention consultant John Linney of El Paso, Texas, reflected on the findings based on his experience working with schools and youth nationwide to stop bullying and violence. For more information and additional materials, visit the webinar overview page.

Policy Challenges Webinar: Bridging Research to Practice: supporting the Transition to the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics

October 2011

In this webinar, Dr. Francis “Skip” Fennell, a mathematics education expert and member of the National Mathematics Advisory Panel, bridged research to practice as it relates to implementation of the CCSS initiative in the area of mathematics. He clarified links between the CCSS and the National Mathematics Advisory Panel Report recommendations and provided an overview of the research foundations and policy considerations for educational leaders and practitioners to understand and implement the CCSS. He discussed the new expectations for mathematical competency embedded in the CCSS and shared practical strategies for building students’ foundational mathematics knowledge, particularly as they move through elementary and middle-school grades. He also responded to participants’ questions submitted through an online chat room. For more information and additional materials, visit the webinar overview page.

Cross-REL Webinar: Achievement Data and Instructional Decision Making in Rural Schools and Districts

September 2011

In this webinar hosted by the REL Rural Working Group, Dr. Ellen Mandinach, co-author of the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) Practice Guide “Using Student Achievement Data to Support Instructional Decision Making,” provided an overview of the critical issues related to data-driven decision making. She presented the Guide’s five evidence-based, practical recommendations and engaged in a moderated discussion with panelists representing rural stakeholders regarding the implications the recommendations hold for rural schools and districts. Each panelist provided real examples of his or her experience implementing one of the recommendations. Participants had an opportunity to understand the research behind the recommendations and to engage in online conversation about applying the recommendations to the unique challenges and opportunities found in rural settings. For more information and additional materials, visit the webinar overview page.