CRM was a major partner organization of the Northeast and Island Regional Educational Laboratory at Brown University (LAB) where our work has focused on the following areas: adolescent literacy; standards-based reform in secondary schools; standards and assessment for English Language Learners; and data-driven school reform. CRM Initiatives in the LAB are described below.

Adolescent Literacy Initiative

CRM is conducting a research project on adolescent literacy that is investigating the procedural aspects of implementing a content-area literacy initiative, and determining effects on teacher practice and student learning. Through this project, Dr. Julie Meltzer of CRM produced the publication Adolescent Literacy Resources: Linking Research and Practice which presents and Adolescent Literacy Framework that describes the key elements of a successful literacy initiative and connects the research to best practices.

The Breaking Ranks Initiative

CRM is co-directing the Breaking Ranks Study which is investigating the process and effects of systemic high school reform in three core areas: implementing high standards for all students; creating smaller and more personalized learning environments; and the use of data to support continuous improvement. CRM is responsible for the quantitative component of the study focusing on changes in student performance, and the qualitative lines of inquiry that focus on standards-based learning and data-driven decision making. Through this project, Dr. Mary Ann Lachat authored the publication Data-Driven High School Reform.

Implementing High Learning Standards with English Language Learners

In collaboration with the Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL), CRM conducted an applied research project in four urban middle schools that focused on professional development approaches, instructional strategies, and school capacities that support classroom implementation of high learning standards with English language learners. The project produced a series of professional development videos and teacher guides as well as the publication Standards, Equity, and Cultural Diversity which provided an overview of the professional development implications of achieving high standards for culturally diverse students.

Inclusive Assessment for English Language Learners

This project provided assistance to state and local education agencies related to implementing equitable assessment policies and practices for English language learners. Publications have been developed in practical formats for state and local policymakers, district and school administrators, teachers, and the general public. CRM produced the publication What Policymakers and School Administrators Need to Know about Assessment Reform for English Language Learners.

Building School Capacity to Use Data for Program Improvement

Through this project, CRM worked with urban school administrators and teachers to use assessment results and other pertinent data to improve student learning and achievement. An important aspect of this work involved the use of CRM's Socrates Data System™ to integrate data for participating schools and profile data in ways that addressed key questions and supported the ability of school staff to use data for decision making. The project yielded important earnings about how to build capacity in a school to make data-driven decisions.