Research for Action

Through generous support from the Center for Black Educator Development and HAMILTON FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST, Research for Action offered a paid research internship for seven Black high school students in the Liberation Academy at SLA Beeber. With guidance from RFA researchers, the students designed and led a youth participatory action research project exploring their Black peers’ experiences with their teachers and interest in becoming one themselves. They conducted dozens of interviews and focus groups with students, and the data reflected a diverse range of perspectives. Here is some of what they said: We Need More Black Teachers. #youthvoiceweek ?#BlackEducatorsMatter #SupportBlackEducators #RepresentationMatters #DiversityInEducation #BlackTeachers #StudentVoices #YouthLeadership #EducationEquity #EducationResearch #BlackYouthVoices #LiberationAcademy #CenterForBlackEducatorDevelopment #HamiltonFamilyCharitableTrust #ResearchforAction #YouthActionResearch #FutureEducators #EquityInEducation #PHLED #BlackTeacherPipeline #EducationJustice

We are seeking Black teachers who work at schools in Auburn, Dadeville, Hattiesburg, Jefferson Parish, Baton Rouge, Savannah, and Tulsa to join a participatory action research project I am co-directing at Research for Action this summer! If you know someone who may be interested, please share this link that includes the application and more info: https://lnkd.in/e3_a5HXH

We have one question for you: Will you stand up for our nation’s young people? On March 24, help us kick off #YouthVoiceWeek by sending a message to Congress urging them to support the afterschool programs our kids count on! Head to 3to6.co/congress on Monday morning!

As part of our commitment to fostering equitable educational opportunities, we recently conducted a study on student mobility within the School District of Philadelphia (SDP), focusing specifically on English Learner (EL) students. With the percentage of EL students increasing from 9% in SY2014-15 to 17% in SY2022-23, understanding their mobility patterns is essential for developing effective support strategies. Our research highlights the challenges associated with student mobility, which is defined as transferring schools during the school year (within-year mobility) or between school years (between-year mobility). High rates of mobility can negatively impact academic performance, graduation rates, and overall school stability. Here’s a????????? ??????????????:The average proportion of high school students identified as mobile during SY2021-22 and SY2022-23 reveals that approximately 24% of EL students experienced mobility, compared to 18% of non-EL students. Notably, students classified as Long-Term English Learners (LTEL) exhibited lower mobility rates at about 14.6%, while those classified as EL for less than six years faced significantly higher rates of around 30%. These insights emphasize the need for tailored support for our diverse student population, particularly for those who are English Learners. By understanding the unique challenges faced by EL students, we can work toward reducing unnecessary mobility and enhancing educational outcomes.

#ALERT - ?????????????????????????? ?????????????? ????????????????: ?????? ???????????????? ?????????? ?????????? ???? ?????????????? ???????????????? ???? ???????????????????????? Have you ever thought about what it takes for students to thrive in school? Stability in their learning environment is one of the most important factors. But for many English Learner (EL) students in large urban districts like Philadelphia, frequent moves are a common occurrence. A new study by the Philadelphia Education Research Consortium, a partnership of RFA and The School District of Philadelphia's Office of Research and Evaluation, dug deep into the numbers to understand what's happening and why. Covering data from the 2021-22 school year through the start of the 2023-24 school year, this research highlights the unique challenges EL students face and how schools can better support them. Here's what we found and the actions we recommend. https://lnkd.in/eBFqdQ_U

Are you ready to lead the financial strategy of a mission-driven organization making a real impact in education systems? Research for Action is in search for a Senior Director of Finance to join our leadership team and steer financial operations. About the Role As Senior Director of Finance, you’ll: ? Be a key advisor to the Executive Director and Board, shaping our financial strategy to align with organizational goals. ?Lead budgeting, financial planning, audit management, and compliance in a multi-revenue environment. ?Supervise a talented finance team, streamline processes, and enhance systems like Sage Intacct. ?Uphold integrity, transparency, and innovation in financial operations while supporting RFA’s mission to advance equitable education systems. Location We’re seeking candidates in the Philadelphia region for weekly in-office work. Remote candidates are welcome to apply if based in Colorado, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania (outside of a commutable distance to Philly). Compensation & Benefits ?Annual salary: $160,000 - $175,000 ?Low-cost health, dental, and vision insurance ?Employer-funded retirement plan ?Generous paid holidays and time off ?A collaborative, mission-driven culture grounded in social justice principles About Us RFA is an independent, nonprofit research organization. Our work is rooted in advancing education systems for more equitable and just outcomes for students, families, and communities. From teacher diversity to early education workforce stability, we tackle critical issues in the education landscape. How to Apply If this role excites you, we encourage you to apply. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the anticipated start date is on or after July 1, 2025. Submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your fit for the role here: https://lnkd.in/dScveJwG

At the #StandUpforScience event in Philly, RFA’s Senior Research Director Alyn Turner emphasized the critical role that robust scientific research plays in shaping a healthy democracy. “I've seen firsthand how scientific research in schools and districts can drive innovation, inform policy decisions and ensure that progress in education is based on evidence, not ideology.” But recent funding cuts are threatening to undermine the integrity of scientific inquiry - and that affects us all. That's why it's essential for local leaders, educators, and scientists to come together and advocate for policies that support independent research, demand transparency in data, and provide every student the opportunity to thrive. Check https://lnkd.in/gKFfcDpK for her entire address. ?#StandUpForScience #EducationResearch #ScientificResearch

Five years ago today, COVID-19 was officially declared a pandemic. Many lessons were learned during the difficult years of the pandemic, including the importance of OST providers and coordinated OST systems in supporting children and families.?OST providers were on the frontlines for children and families when school buildings closed providing an array of supports. Research for Action, in partnership with Wendy McClanahan, examined the role coordinated OST systems played during this time and the lessons it suggests for the present.?The lessons learned about the power of coordinated OST networks are relevant today.??https://lnkd.in/ePV8smFw

?? ????'???? ????????????: ???????????? ???????????????? ???? ?????????????? Are you ready to make an impact in nonprofit financial leadership? Research for Action is seeking an experienced, strategic, and mission-driven Senior Director of Finance to join our leadership team. If you’re passionate about advancing education systems through research and have expertise in nonprofit financial management, this may be the opportunity for you! As the Senior Director of Finance, you will: *??Lead financial strategy to support RFA’s mission and strategic goals. *??Oversee budgeting, financial analysis, compliance, and reporting. *??Mentor and supervise a high-performing finance team. *??Enhance financial systems and processes to support growth. ?? Location: Proximal to Philadelphia, PA (remote candidates considered in select states) Salary Range: $160,000–$175,000 annually ?? Application Deadline: Rolling basis—apply today! Please share this opportunity with your networks!

As told to us by educators in our new limited-series podcast, the teaching profession for Black educators is 'more an act of social justice than it is something that garners you a check.' Listen to more of their powerful insights and learn more about our work with them. https://lnkd.in/gibnXirz