District, State and Federal Policy Research
Although learning happens within the classroom, we cannot improve our education system without understanding that teachers, administrators, and schools all operate within broader policy contexts – at the district, state, and federal levels – that can greatly influence student experiences and outcomes. We study these policy contexts in order to help schools navigate the challenges they create, to develop clear recommendations for how policies with unintended consequences can be avoided or changed, and to help policymakers understand what the contexts they create look like within the school and classroom walls.
Selected Activities
- Member, Regional Education Laboratory Advisory Group – Washington, D.C.
- Member, Research Committee, Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board – Philadelphia, PA
Selected Projects
This is a national, multi-site examination of how teachers, students, schools, districts and others educational entities develop, respond to and/or utilize new assessment tools. Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, RFA is working with a team of researchers to study how the new tools are utilized in the classroom; and how an array of supports, including professional development and new technology platforms, affect the implementation and utilization of the new tools.
RFA evaluated a grant that the Donors' Education Collaborative (DEC) in New York City awarded to a set of advocacy and organizing groups. The grant supported the development of a coalition focused on influencing the debate over New York City school governance. RFA examined how these groups worked collaboratively to develop strategies that shaped the terms and outcomes of the debate. Jeffrey Henig of Teachers College, Columbia University joined RFA in this effort.
RFA's study on high school choice builds on the "Learning from Philadelphia's School Reform" study and turns RFA's attention to the improvement of Philadelphia's high schools - a focus that was not part of the previous study and one that is sorely needed given the dire statistics on the city's youth. Philadelphia's system of comprehensive high schools has undergone dramatic change in the past several years. In this study, we use qualitative and quantitative methods to explore the district's approach to creating good high school options for all students, and we investigate neighborhood high schools from the perspectives of students, parents, and staff.
RFA is leading "Learning from Philadelphia's School Reform," a comprehensive, multi-year study of Philadelphia's complex and radical school reform effort. RFA researchers worked with colleagues from the University of Pennsylvania, Montclair State University, Swarthmore College, and the Consortium on Chicago School Research to examine the impact of state takeover, the efficacy of a diverse provider model, the success of district-level leadership in managing a complex set of reforms, the engagement of civic and community groups with district policy and school improvement, and the key factors influencing student outcomes under various school conditions and school management models. "Learning from Philadelphia's School Reform" included a multi-faceted, vigorous public awareness component that engages leaders and citizens in the process of educational change, and informed and guided the national debate on school reform. RFA continues to disseminate information broadly through public speaking and the RFA website.
RFA examined the planning and early implementation of the School District of Philadelphia small schools strategy for high school reform, focusing especially on the significant role of public/private sector collaboration in developing and carrying out this strategy.
The Pennsylvania Clearinghouse for Education Research - or PACER - is designed to inform state education policy discussions using rigorous, objective research. PACER briefs will be decided upon through policy scans and stakeholder and policymaker input. For each issue, PACER will review the current Pennsylvania context, reforms in states nationwide, and provide research from leading scholars and nonpartisan organizations.
