Northwest Regional Comprehensive Center

In Washington, NWCC works with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) on these priorities:

• Examining programs supported by Title I and Learning Assistance Program (LAP) funds to identify promising school-level practices for improving student outcomes
• Evaluating the impact of programs to improve teacher and principal effectiveness

Leading this work is the Washington State Coordinator Melinda Leong, who serves as a liaison to both the NWCC and REL Northwest. In her NWCC role, Leong provides technical assistance to OSPI, building the state’s capacity to support districts and schools to improve instruction, close achievement gaps, and improve educational outcomes for all students.

In her role as the REL Northwest state coordinator, Leong works with OSPI and other education stakeholders to identify high-priority needs and provide resources to meet those needs. She is also a team member of the REL’s three Washington-based research alliances that focus on English language learners in South Seattle school districts, Bureau of Indian Education schools, and the statewide educational service district network.

Leong specializes in elementary and middle school education; mathematics instruction, curriculum, and assessment; and research-based professional development. She has been a staff member of REL Northwest’s and NWCC’s parent organization, Education Northwest, since 2001.

Melinda Leong
503.275.9172