Trusted, equity-focused education researchers and policy experts.

Research for Action is a nonprofit education research organization. We use field-driven insights to advance equity in opportunities and outcomes for underserved students and their families along the early childhood to postsecondary education pipeline.

RFA: 30 Years of Research in Action

2022 marks our 30th anniversary! Read our latest blog to learn about where we are now.

Black Teachers Study

If you’re a current or former teacher in Philly district or charter schools and identify as Black, consider joining our study!

New PACER FAQ on Superintendents

We answer some frequently asked questions about superintendents in PA public schools. Read the full report to learn more.

The Need for More Teachers of Color

This booklet was released as part of the RFA Teach-In, and provides highlights of findings from RFA’s past studies, newly updated with 2020 -21 data to provide the most recent analysis of the state of teacher diversity in Pennsylvania as a whole and specifically in Philadelphia.

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About Us

For 30 years, RFA has conducted research and evaluation to improve education policy and practice. Using culturally-responsive and equity-focused approaches to research studies, collaboration, and partnership, we work to advance racial and social justice so that all students, families, and their communities have the resources and supports to develop their potential and thrive.

Featured Projects

A project designed to inform state education policy discussions through rigorous, objective research; regular policy briefs; and research-based commentaries in leading media outlets statewide.

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Findings from a national survey of high school aged youth to examine factors that contribute to the readiness and well-being of youth, given the current context of the pandemic and the ongoing national reckoning with racial injustice.

View the Findings

An innovative research practice partnership with the School of Philadelphia’s Office of Research and Evaluation designed to provide research and analyses on some of Philadelphia’s most pressing education issues.

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Our Approach

A hallmark of RFA’s research and evaluation work is our responsive and collaborative approach to partnerships. Our research directly addresses the information needs of our partners and key stakeholders, knowing that education policies and contexts can shift, and important decisions need to be made to seize the moment to improve policy and practice.

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