District Education R&D Agenda and Advisory Committee

 

As districts face increasing pressure to adapt, innovate, and deliver stronger outcomes, the need for locally driven research and development has never been clearer. Competitive Edge: An Action Agenda for How School Systems Can Advance Learning Through R&D, developed by the District Education R&D Advisory Committee, provides a strategic, evidence-informed blueprint for strengthening district R&D capacity—aligning research with classroom realities and positioning school systems to lead the next era of educational improvement.

Read the Action Agenda

About the Action Agenda

 

An Action Agenda for How School Systems Can Advance Learning Through R&D

One of the first priorities of the District Education R&D Advisory Committee was to design the School Systems R&D Action Agenda, a shared roadmap for embedding R&D as a core function of how schools improve, adapt, and lead. The agenda highlights the vital role school systems play in aligning research with teachers’ and students’ needs, so that interventions can have the greatest impact.

Additionally, the advisory committee is:

  • Highlighting bright spots where R&D is already improving student outcomes.
  • Guiding the development of resources that support strong research and development practices in schools.
  • Elevating the need for investment in state and local R&D infrastructure.
  • Shaping policy conversations to expand the reach and impact of education innovation nationwide.

This initiative marks the first phase of a larger collaboration between ALI and Digital Promise to strengthen school district engagement in education R&D.

Committee Members

The District Education R&D Advisory Committee is a partnership between the Alliance for Learning Innovation (ALI) and Digital Promise. The group is composed of 13 superintendents and charter management organization (CMO) leaders, including eight members of Digital Promise’s League of Innovative Schools. Participants were selected for their engagement with R&D practices, commitment to evidence-based decision-making, and ability to represent diverse geographies and student populations.

We are pleased to have the following education leaders serve on the committee:

  • David Aderhold, West Windsor – Plainsboro Regional School District
  • Mario Andrade, Nashua School District
  • Mary Beck, Distinctive Schools
  • Cady Ching, Summit Public Schools
  • Bob Hill, Springfield City School District
  • Suzanne Lacey, Talladega County Schools
  • Michelle Miller, South Fayette Township School District
  • Miranda Ming, Momentum Academy
  • Audra Pittman, Calistoga Joint Unified School District
  • Mary Catherine Reljac, Fox Chapel Area School District
  • Oliver Sicat, Ednovate Schools
  • Ted Thompson, Denver Public Schools
  • Alena Zachery-Ross, Ypsilanti Community Schools
"Serving on this advisory group provides an opportunity to highlight how research and development can transform education systems at every level. By connecting local and state priorities with national R&D efforts, we can ensure that innovative practices are grounded in the real needs of students, families, and educators. This work is essential to advancing equity, accelerating improvement, and creating lasting opportunities for all learners."
Dr. Mario Andrade Superintendent, Nashua School District (NH)
"Serving on the National Education R&D Advisory Committee is an opportunity to ensure that research translates into real solutions for diverse classrooms like Springfield, where students represent many cultures, languages, and economic backgrounds. Investing in education R&D is essential to accelerating learning, closing opportunity gaps, and ensuring every child—especially those historically underserved—has access to the tools and innovations needed to grow."
Dr. Robert F. Hill Superintendent and CEO, Springfield City School District (OH)
"Research and Development must be at the heart of our school systems if we are to remain future-focused, student-centered, and innovation-driven. By committing to thoughtful education R&D, schools can transform learning experiences, anticipate the needs of tomorrow’s learners, and ensure every child has access to meaningful opportunities. Digital Promise continues to lead the way by championing research and development in education, advancing equity and excellence for all of the nation’s learners through evidence-based practices, collaborative partnerships, and innovative solutions that help schools truly prepare students for the future."
Dr. Michelle Miller Superintendent, South Fayette School District (PA)
"Participating in this committee reinforces my urgency to underscore the important work we do to educate our students by understanding their needs and supporting teachers to expand their instructional practices to grow achievement. Teachers are leveraging a variety of best and emerging practices daily. We must invest in education R&D to sustain creativity, understand impacts of technological innovation, and how to broker support for university, government, and corporate partners to ensure our students graduate with the necessary skills and knowledge to find success in life."
Ted Thompson Executive Director, Denver Public Schools
"Serving on this committee allows me to represent a small charter organization that serves underestimated families, ensuring their voices are part of the conversation. Investing in education R&D helps us stay prepared for a rapidly changing world so our students can thrive in future opportunities that don’t yet exist."
Dr. Miranda Ming Advisor to the Executive Director, Momentum Academy
"Being part of this committee provides me with a unique opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of education through research, innovation, and development. Investing in education R&D is crucial for creating innovative solutions that directly improve student outcomes and foster their success."
Dr. Alena E. Zachery-Ross Superintendent, Ypsilanti Community Schools
"Education research and development is critical to advancing student learning and outcomes. Without investing in education R&D, the science of learning and our children’s learning is at risk, perhaps setting our nation’s achievement and innovation back in significant ways."
Dr. Mary Catherine Reljac Superintendent, Fox Chapel Area School District
"Being part of this team has allowed me to collaborate with leading educators, researchers, and policymakers who are committed to innovation and evidence-based practice. Together, we have explored solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in education by developing strategies, frameworks, and tools that are grounded in research and responsive to the evolving needs of students, teachers, and communities."
Dr. Suzanne Lacey Superintendent, Talladega County Schools

 Learn More

To learn more about the District Education R&D Advisory Committee, read this press release or fill out the form below.

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