McREL has conducted five major research studies to synthesize the current body of knowledge about effective schools, leaders, and classrooms. Together, these studies help schools define the "science" of effective schooling and a focus for what to do to improve student achievement (see left).

It is important to note that all of these studies identify characteristics of schools that do not require a large influx of additional resources to implement. In short, they are things that any school, regardless of its funding level, can do to improve student achievement.