About West RAEN

WEST RAEN at SUNY Erie

The West Regional Adult Education Network (WEST RAEN) is one of seven Regional Adult Education Networks established by the New York State Education Department (NYSED), Adult Education Programs and Policy (AEPP) to provide professional development, technical assistance, and regional support for adult education programs across New York State.

Serving the counties of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Niagara, and Orleans, WEST RAEN partners with NYSED AEPP-funded adult education and family literacy programs to strengthen instructional quality, foster innovation, and promote continuous program improvement. Through research-based training, collaborative learning opportunities, and ongoing technical assistance, WEST RAEN equips educators with the knowledge, resources, and best practices needed to help adult learners succeed.

Supporting Adult Education Across Western New York

WEST RAEN works closely with local providers to enhance program effectiveness and ensure educators have access to current instructional strategies, educational technology, and evidence-based resources. By creating opportunities for collaboration and professional growth, we help adult education programs respond to the evolving needs of learners and communities.

In coordination with NYSED AEPP, WEST RAEN also supports programs in achieving statewide performance goals established through the National Reporting System (NRS). These measures evaluate educational outcomes such as:

Measurable skill gains
English language proficiency
New York State High School Equivalency diploma attainment
Successful transition to postsecondary education or training
Employment outcomes
Other federal and state performance indicators

More Information About WEST RAEN

How WEST RAEN Supports Programs

Authorized under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Title II, Section 223, the Regional Adult Education Network provides leadership and support by:

Delivering high-quality, research-based professional development.
Providing technical assistance to adult education and literacy programs.
Supporting the effective integration of educational technology.
Strengthening regional collaboration, innovation, and resource sharing.
Promoting continuous program improvement through National Reporting System (NRS) performance measures.
Sharing evidence-based instructional practices, curricula, and research that improve adult learning outcomes.

Our Mission

WEST RAEN is committed to strengthening the capacity of adult education professionals and the programs they serve. By promoting professional excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement, we help ensure adult education programs throughout Western New York provide high-quality instruction and support that prepares learners for:

College and career success
Workforce advancement
High school equivalency attainment
English language acquisition
Family literacy
Civic engagement

Together, we empower adult learners to achieve their educational, personal, and career goals while building stronger communities throughout Western New York.