Proving Ground works to support partners in making evidence-based continuous improvement part of the ordinary course of business. In this conclusion to the “Improving Improvement” series, Proving Ground shares a thoughtful reflection on their progress towards that goal.
2024
USING CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE AND EQUITABLE EVALUATION APPROACHES IN PARTNERSHIP WORK
How can RPPs use culturally responsive and equitable evaluation (CREE) approaches in their work? Education Northwest spotlights the CREE framework and shares a real-world example of using the CREE approach in partnership work.
CHANGING THE CULTURE: FIVE STRATEGIES FOR BUILDING BRIDGES IN RESEARCH-PRACTICE PARTNERSHIPS IN THE EARLY YEARS
How can RPPs create a culture of collaboration and build relationships in the early years? The ReadUp partnership shares insights and experiences from its early years of working together to produce and use research that reduces disparities in students’ reading achievement.
ENGAGING PARENTS AS CO-DESIGNERS AND RESEARCHERS IN RESEARCH-PRACTICE PARTNERSHIPS
Historically marginalized children, particularly those from underserved communities, often have limited access to enriching environments within their neighborhoods. An RPP between the Orange County Educational Advancement Network (OCEAN) and the Santa Ana Early Learning Initiative (SAELI) works to transform everyday locations into vibrant spaces for rich STEM learning – by centering the voices, experiences, and expertise of parents in the co-design of these learning environments.
SHIFTING OUR PERSPECTIVES OF THE TIME IT TAKES TO ENGAGE IN IMPROVEMENT WORK
Engaging in improvement work can feel like it takes up a lot of time for school district leads. Why is that and how much time is too much time? Proving Ground examines these questions.
RPP 101: UNDERSTANDING IMPORTANT RPP BASICS
Are you new to RPPs and aren’t sure where to start? Or do you need a refresher on the most up-to-date thinking on RPPs? We share a brief overview of NNERPP’s recent RPP 101 Workshop Series and a new resource addressing these questions.
EQUITY-CENTERED AND VISION-ALIGNED RESEARCH: STRATEGIES OF A DISTRICT RESEARCH OFFICE TO BUILD BETTER RESEARCH COLLABORATIONS
How can RPPs can offer a path forward in research rooted in school needs and balanced inquiry? Two district research leaders share their perspectives and experiences, shining a spotlight on the meaning and value of RPP work from this vantage point.
ASSESSING SECOND GRADERS’ HANDWRITING USING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY: FINDINGS FROM AN RPP IN FRANCE
Teachers and school staff in the French town of Besançon noticed that students did not want to write by hand anymore and were having difficulties in their handwriting. The local RPP –the first one in France– responded with a research project addressing elementary school students’ challenges with handwriting.
WHEN RPPs IN CALIFORNIA WORK TOGETHER: LAUNCHING A REGIONAL SUBNETWORK
How can RPPs working in the same region leverage their collective impact on state education policy? An account of NNERPP’s recent launch of a regional subnetwork and reflections from the subnetwork’s first in-person meeting.
ENSURING EVERY STUDENT IS KNOWN: HOW AN RPP’S RAPID RESPONSE STUDY PROVIDED QUICK ANSWERS TO GUIDE PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION AT SCALE
A school district needed quick answers to guide the implementation at scale of its program to connect students with caring adults. By launching a “rapid response studies” strand of work, the Nashville Partnership for Educational Equity Research could help.
CONNECTING WITH STUDENTS AND FAMILIES IN CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT EFFORTS
How can those engaged in improvement work elevate student and family voice? Proving Ground shares recent efforts around engaging families and involving students in continuous improvement work.
INDICATORS OF RPP HEALTH AND EFFECTIVENESS: INTRODUCING AN UPDATED FRAMEWORK
What is important to attend to when considering RPP effectiveness? What might RPPs strive towards in their work together? An overview of a just-released updated framework for conceptualizing RPP health and effectiveness.
