AGENCY NEWS 2016's Top 5 R&D Alert Articles

TEACHERS & LEADERS Leading Professional Learning: A Simulation Game for Educators

This fun simulation game engages educators in building a strong school faculty focused on providing the best environment for student learning.

In a non-competitive environment, players take on the role of a professional learning leadership team tasked with planning and leading change in their school.

Visit the Leading Professional Learning resource page to learn more and to order a copy.

SCHOOLS, DISTRICTS, & STATE EDUCATION SYSTEMS When Dropouts Return to School: New Research Report

A new REL West report looks at the characteristics and education outcomes of Utah students who dropped out and then returned to high school.

Learn about students seeking a second chance to earn their diplomas.

POSTSECONDARY & CAREER Academic Planning in Community College: New Research Report

A new REL West study investigates the impact of technology-based counseling interventions — coupled with targeted nudges and guaranteed access to counseling sessions — on community college student outcomes.

Read the key findings and download the report.

LITERACY Building Literacy in Middle and High School: Online Professional Learning Opportunities

Register for these upcoming webinars focused on building literacy in middle and high school.

• Calculating the Gift of Gab for Literacy in Middle and High School Math Classrooms, Wednesday, January 18, 3:30-4:45pm (Pacific Time)
• Building Student Capacity to Make Claims and Use Evidence in Their Writing: Using Library of Congress Resources, Wednesday, February 15, 3:30-4:45pm (Pacific Time)

TEACHERS & LEADERS California Teacher Retirements Over the Next Decade: New Research Report

A new study projects one quarter of California teachers will retire by 2024, suggesting careful local workforce planning will be critical for schools and districts.

Read about teacher retirement projections across California's 58 counties.

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, & MATHEMATICS Supporting Effective STEM Teaching and Learning

With a focus on high-quality teaching and learning across all STEM subjects, WestEd conducts research and evaluation studies; provides coaching and other professional learning opportunities; and more.

Visit our Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics page to learn about WestEd services, research, and resources.

EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT & LEARNING The Social Womb Video

This six-minute video illustrates the need for babies, once born, to be cared for in a “social womb” that provides the nurturance, protection, and enrichment essential to the healthy development of their still-growing brains.

Watch in English.

Watch in Spanish.

2016 Top Downloads: Early Childhood, Family Engagement, English Learners

Check out 2016's top downloads, with education topics ranging from improving infant/toddler care and family engagement to leadership development and restorative justice.

Ready To Learn: Improving Early Learning and School Readiness Through Digital Media

The Ready To Learn (RTL) initiative supports the development of educational digital media for preschool and early elementary school children and their families, with a focus on children from low-income families — a population less likely to be ready for kindergarten.

WestEd conducts extensive research on and evaluation of RTL digital content, including:

• Formative evaluations
• Technical needs assessments
• Impact studies

Visit the Ready To Learn website for more information about this federally funded initiative.