Now educators and others have a place to go to get valid, research-based information on educational issues.

Edvance Research, Inc. runs the Regional REL Reference Desk for the Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) - Southwest, for the U.S. Department of Education. The purpose of the Regional REL Reference Desk is to provide educators, policymakers and others with timely, evidence-based research to help guide their decisions about effective education policies, programs, and practices in the field. In response to queries, answers or referrals will be offered that rely on evidence, or indicate when a topic lacks scientifically based research.

"Finally educators and those interested in education have an efficient method to obtain assistance with reliable, research-based information on a variety of educational issues," stated Kristin Mitchell, Director of Technical Assistance at REL Southwest.

Educators and others in the southwest region may obtain technical assistance at no charge through the REL Reference Desk by calling Toll Free 1-877-EDVANCE (1-877-338-2623) or e-mailing technical_assistance@edvanceresearch.com.

REL Southwest, run by 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.