New initiative unites coalition of leaders to inform the creation of a national research and development agenda that responds directly to community and system needs
WASHINGTON, Sept. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Alliance for Learning Innovation (ALI) and Digital Promise today announced the formation of a national school system research and development (R&D) advisory committee, uniting district and charter leaders from across the country to shape and advance a national agenda that reflects the priorities of local communities and districts in developing evidence-based solutions.
With NAEP scores showing persistent declines in student achievement, the need to accelerate learning has never been greater. The advisory committee will collaboratively design a national agenda that will serve as a platform for districts to define their R&D needs and guide the development of resources that foster effective research and development practices in local education settings.
"Education R&D is about creating real-world, evidence-based solutions that can transform the learning experience for all students," said Jean-Claude Brizard, President and CEO of Digital Promise. "This advisory committee represents our commitment to ensuring that education research informs the development of innovative solutions focused on what really works for the students, teachers, and communities that need it most. By bringing together these leaders, we're creating a powerful collective voice to shape the future of education innovation."
The advisory committee is comprised of 13 leaders representing a cohort of educational contexts, including urban, suburban, and rural districts spanning from Alabama to New Hampshire, and from California to New York. Collectively, these leaders represent the voices and needs of well over one hundred thousand students. Members include leaders from traditional public school districts such as Denver Public Schools and Springfield City School District, as well as charter management organizations including Summit Public Schools, Distinctive Schools, and Rocky Mountain Prep.
In addition to defining national education R&D priorities, members will amplify the need for state and local R&D investment and infrastructure, showcase bright spots where R&D is informing the use of evidence-based practices to improve student outcomes, and contribute their expertise to shape policies that can expand the reach and impact of education innovation nationwide.
"Education research cannot happen in a bubble – removed from the realities of classrooms and communities," said Sara Schapiro, Executive Director of ALI. "Only those closest to the classroom truly understand what students need and how to design solutions that work in their context. That's why ALI believes this advisory committee is so critical – it brings district leaders, educators, and community voices to the center of the research and innovation process, ensuring that ideas are not just studied, but applied and implemented in ways that improve student learning and well-being."
The participating districts and charter organizations were selected based on their demonstrated engagement with R&D practices, their commitment to evidence-based solutions, and their ability to represent a multitude of geographies and student populations. Members will also have opportunities to participate in webinars, conference sessions, and other public forums to elevate the importance of these efforts.
This initiative represents the first phase of a broader collaboration between ALI and Digital Promise to catalyze school district engagement in education R&D. To learn more information about these efforts, visit https://www.alicoalition.org/national-ed-r-d-advisory-committee.
About the Alliance for Learning Innovation
The Alliance for Learning Innovation (ALI) believes that more effective, rapid, and strategic education R&D is essential to helping communities successfully address the most pressing obstacles to student learning today. ALI unites a diverse coalition of nonprofits, researchers, practitioners, funders, and private sector innovators who share a commitment to improving and expanding the impact of education R&D. Connect with ALI by visiting alicoalition.org or following us at linkedin.com/company/alliance-for-learning-innovation.
About Digital Promise
Digital Promise is a global nonprofit working to expand opportunity for every learner. We work with educators, researchers, technology leaders, and communities to design, investigate, and scale innovations that support learners, especially those who've been historically and systematically excluded. Our vision is that every person engages in powerful learning experiences that lead to a life of well-being, fulfillment, and economic mobility. For more information, visit digitalpromise.org and follow @digitalpromise for updates.
SOURCE Digital Promise
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