A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Letter from the Institute

Greetings from the Office of Educational Research and Improvement's National Institute on the Education of At-Risk Students. The primary purpose of this inaugural newsletter is to introduce education policymakers and administrators to the Institute and its work.

The National Institute on the Education of At-Risk Students was created by Congress to carry out a coordinated and comprehensive program of research and development for improving the education of students placed at risk of educational failure.

Congress defined an "at-risk student" as one who—because of limited English proficiency, poverty, race, geographic location, or economic disadvantage—faces a greater risk of low educational achievement or reduced academic expectations. The Institute carries out its program of research through a variety of national research and development centers, field-initiated studies, and research contracts. The Institute also funds dissertation grants and fellowships, and is authorized to provide technical assistance. In order to further acquaint you with our work, an overview of the Institute's current research program is provided. Future newsletters will highlight specific research projects supported through these programs.

This newsletter is one part of the Institute's ongoing effort to provide leadership and research-based information to members of the education community who may not be researchers. By translating technical research findings into practice-oriented strategies, and by disseminating useful research-based information to policy-makers and administrators, the Institute hopes to help those most likely to effect changes in schools that serve large numbers of at-risk students.

In this edition, the first of a series of "Perspectives" articles may be found. "Perspectives" will be a regular feature of the newsletter, written by Institute staff or grantees. Although these articles will always be research based, the authors are expressing their own particular viewpoints. Our hope is that these series of articles will both illustrate how research findings can be applied and stimulate discussion, while acquainting you with the Institute's staff.

This first edition also highlights three recent Institute publications. Those selected for this premiere newsletter cover subjects related to the issues raised in the "Perspectives" article. Future editions will continue to feature recently released Institute publications, as well as selected publications from our research and development centers, grantees, and contractors.

Please let us know what topics you would like to see addressed in future newsletters. You may send your comments by e-mail (AT-RISK@ed.gov); fax (202-219-2030); telephone (202-219-2239); or letter (555 New Jersey Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20208-5521). More information about the Institute is available on the Internet (http://www.ed.gov/offices/OERI/At-Risk/).

[Perspectives: What Does It Take to Reform a Low Performing School?]