What is an REA and why do they matter?

As a small rural school, there is always a need to find the most efficient and cost-effective way to provide services and classes to our administrators, staff, and students.  One of those efficient and cost-effective ways is through our local Regional Education Association or REA.

The specific REA New Salem-Almont Public Schools belongs to is the Missouri River Education Cooperative (MREC) headquartered in Mandan.

To say the MREC is vital to the educational program we provide is an understatement.  The MREC has provided or currently does provide the following services for our district:

·      Administrator trainings and meetings

·      First Tech Challenge Support (Robotics & Engineering Club)

·      Instructional Coaching

·      Online and ITV courses through the MRACTC

·      Help with the AdvancEd accreditation process

·      Data analysis – MAP Test, State Assessment, & BrightBytes Survey

·      Trainings and support with Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)

During the 2015-2016 school year 53 students took classes offered through the MRACTC.  This year, 2016-2017, we have 40 students taking classes.

I wanted to inform you of the important role REA’s play in rural education because a bill has been introduced in the North Dakota state Legislature to strip funding of REA’s from the state budget.  House Bill 1318 would strike REA’s from the North Dakota Century Code leaving our staff and students without the opportunity for cost-effective professional development and expanded course offerings. 

If you would like to know more about the MREC and the programs it provides click here