McREL’s new centers focus on innovation, effectiveness, and systems transformation
Denver —In December, McREL launched a new organizational structure that focuses its consulting and research work into three areas: learning innovation, educator effectiveness, and systems transformation.
The Center for Learning Innovation, led by Center Director John Ristvey, develops new models and approaches for content providers and educators to help them provide learners of all ages and in all settings—in the classroom and during out-of-school time—with culturally relevant, contextually based, and personally meaningful experiences that prepare them for lifelong learning. Projects in this center include those focused on: curriculum, experiential learning, public engagement, early childhood education, career and technical education, and standards analysis and professional development.
The Center for Educator Effectiveness, headed by Center Director Greg Cameron, focuses on improving the quality of instructional practice and reducing variability in quality through research-based instructional and leadership strategies. This center includes products and services related to McREL’s Balanced Leadership®, District Leadership, Classroom Instruction That Works®, Using Technology with Classroom Instruction That Works, Power Walkthrough®, and teacher and principal evaluation systems.
The Center for Systems Transformation, under Center Director Pam Jones, provides guidance to education systems on what matters most in the delivery of high-quality education. Work includes school and district improvement projects (e.g., McREL’s Success in Sight® approach to school improvement), technical assistance to regions and states through the North Central Comprehensive Center, and the Network for Innovative Education. The center also will collaborate on projects with the REL Pacific, based in Honolulu, Hawai’i.
Each center includes consultants and researchers whose work revolves primarily around their focus area. However, McREL expects much of its work going forward will be “cross-center,” as the project leaders tap expertise from other centers when needed.
“This new structure will increase McREL’s capacity to innovate and quickly respond to the needs of the field with research, products, and services that truly make a difference in the achievement of students everywhere,” said Tim Waters, McREL President and CEO.
McREL is a Denver-based, nationally recognized, private, nonprofit organization that is dedicated to improving education for all students through applied research, product development, and service. In addition to its Denver headquarters, McREL has offices in Honolulu, Hawai’i, and Melbourne, Australia.