Recommendations on Education Reform
With two decades of original research and a deep understanding of the national educational research landscape, RFA acts as an adviser to parties seeking research-based recommendations on educational reform. This includes work with:
- educational policy organizations and foundations,
- communities and school districts,
- and city- and state-level policymakers.
Selected Activities
- Member, Education First Compact – Philadelphia, PA
- Member, Cross City Campaign for Education Reform – Philadelphia, PA
- Member, Ethnology in Education Research Forum Advisory Board
Selected Projects
The Philadelphia Youth Network (PYN) is overseeing 11 Student Success Centers, which are located in the city’s comprehensive high schools and designed to assist students to get and stay on track to college. RFA is conducting a mixed-methods evaluation focused on examining the scope and depth of services offered, as well as tracking key educational outcomes.
In October 2009, Philadelphia Youth Network (PYN) launched a pilot GED to College (GTC) initiative. Four unique providers, Congreso de Latinos Unidos, District 1199c Training and Upgrading Fund, People for People, Inc. (PFP), and Youth Empowerment Services (YES), were selected by a panel of PYN staff and local stakeholders to provide GED preparation, coordinate GED testing, and provide college preparation to a cohort of GTC students. After conducting pilot research on this initiative, RFA is continuing its evaluation of these efforts, with a particular focus on examining its impact on student attendance and success in college.
