Research for Action

Research for Action is committed to becoming a community-engaged research organization that truly values all forms of knowledge. In our "Insights Report," we emphasize the importance of moving beyond the traditional hierarchy of academic knowledge and recognizing the lived experiences of community members as vital expertise. One way RFA is putting this into practice is by building community advisory committees composed of community leaders, parents, and teachers/ former teachers. These committees ensure that community perspectives shape the research project overall, from design to dissemination. 💡Curious about how RFA is centering community voices in their research? 📖 Download the full report: https://lnkd.in/gtKnVFuh

Research for Action (RFA) is on a journey to become a community-engaged research organization. Our "Insights Report" shares five key insights learned during the first year of our Community Research Partnership, which was generously supported by The Barra Foundation. One crucial takeaway is that community engagement needs to be integrated throughout the research process, not just an add-on. This means involving community members in all phases, from design to reporting. RFA highlights the importance of investing in a Community Advisory Committee to co-design research. Ready to learn more about RFA's approach to community-engaged research? 🔗Download the full report: https://lnkd.in/gtKnVFuh

We’re excited to announce that the Concurrent Session submission form is NOW OPEN for the 2025 Pennsylvania Educator Diversity Consortium (PEDC) Virtual Summit, coming June 24-26, 2025! 🎉 Are you an advocate, researcher, teacher, education professional, or student with innovative ideas and practices for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in education? This is your chance to share your expertise and help shape the conversation around educator diversity in Pennsylvania! 🔗 Submit your session proposal today – and please share this opportunity with your networks: https://lnkd.in/e5PtKDxt. Why Apply? 🌟 Showcase your work and thought leadership to a statewide audience of students, educators, policymakers, and community leaders. 🌟 Connect with others who are passionate about transforming our education systems. 🌟 Drive forward meaningful change by sharing actionable strategies and insights! Know someone who should be part of this conversation? Tag them below or forward this post! Let’s work together to elevate diverse voices and expand educator representation. 🙌🏾 #PEDCSummit2025 #EducatorDiversity #CallForProposals #EdEquity #PennsylvaniaEducation

Research For Action (RFA) is seeking a Research Analyst to join our team. In this role, you'll play a vital role in conducting research projects that focus on advancing equity in education. What You'll Do: ✅ Conduct basic to moderately complex data collection, analysis, and interpretation. ✅ Support project management and contribute to the success of RFA's research and community engagement initiatives. ✅ Demonstrate a commitment to RFA's mission and understanding of core concepts related to racial equity and social justice. Why RFA? ✅ Opportunity to develop your mixed-methods research skillset. ✅ Be part of a nimble, team-based, and diverse organization. ✅ Contribute to research that has a real-world impact on educational systems. Qualifications: ✅ 1-3 years of research experience in applied settings. ✅ Passion for equitable education and interest in growing research skills. ✅ Strong quantitative and qualitative data analysis skills (Stata preferred). ✅ Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills. ✅ Commitment to RFA's mission and social justice principles. Hit the link to apply. ➡️ https://lnkd.in/dScveJwG Please share this opportunity with your networks!

RFA Senior Fellow David Lapp: There are two key steps policymakers need to embrace to ensure students experiencing homelessness are adequately served. Find out what he shared with WESA-FM. https://lnkd.in/gdnhxSiS

Excited for our webinar on 11/7 where Kri Burkander from Research for Action will present their study of the Catto Scholarship at Community College of Philadelphia and Michael Scuello from Metis Associates will present our joint study of John Jay College (CUNY) ACE. Look forward to hearing program perspectives on the research from Seth Jacobson, Ph.D. and Christine Brongniart and policy insights from Michelle Dimino at Third Way. We hope you will join us and engage in a discussion at the end! Open to all! Register here: https://lnkd.in/e9u-VVuy

California community colleges are actively exploring corequisite courses as a strategy to improve student success in math and English. These courses combine traditional classes with targeted support sessions. However, a new blog post from RFA's Mark Duffy and Kri Burkander discusses the uneven implementation of corequisite courses across the state. The post explores the factors contributing to these inconsistencies and proposes strategies for optimizing corequisite programs to ensure improved student outcomes. https://lnkd.in/eKThGXDq

The ongoing review of Pittsburgh Public Schools' proposal to close 16 schools has raised significant concerns among parents and educators alike. The potential changes echo past experiences, which left lasting impacts on families. Research conducted by Maja Pehrson, Mary Eddins, and Kevin Burgess is highlighted in this @905wesa piece and underscores the complex ramifications of school closures, particularly their disproportionate effects on Black communities and student achievement. As the district approaches its revised recommendations due on October 15, it is crucial that decision-makers prioritize community engagement and consider the long-term implications of these changes. https://lnkd.in/eAvDmHeU

Happy 2nd anniversary at RFA, Alita Robinson! Two years down, many more to come. Your collaborative spirit and dedication are truly inspiring. Here's to your continued success and valuable contributions!

Black Educators Leading the Way: A Call for Culturally Responsive Teaching This impactful study from the Academy for Educational Studies by RFA’s Leana Cabral and Siettah Parks examines the challenges Black educators face in teaching accurate history and employing anti-racist practices due to the #AntiCRT backlash. Along with Amy Stuart Wells, they advocate for systemic support to empower educators, promote equity in K-12 schools, and enable “Good Teaching.” Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/ehD4kjWk