The Maine Education Policy Research Institute (MEPRI) provides policymakers with objective data, policy research and evaluation to define and assess educational needs, services and impacts. The Institute was established by the Legislature in 1995 and conducts work for the legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs and for the Maine Department of Education. MEPRI researchers analyze trends and perform targeted research on topics of interest to education policymakers. Researchers include faculty, professional staff, and graduate students with a wide range of expertise in education.  The Institute is a cooperative effort of the University of Maine System and the Maine State Legislature, and conducts its work through the University of Southern Maine and the University of Maine.