School districts across the U.S. are fundamentally rethinking how they approach education policy, shifting from untested assumptions to rigorous, real-time research and development (R&D). Faced with shrinking budgets and mounting pressure to improve student outcomes, leaders are prioritizing evidence-based decision-making over traditional, often ineffective, methods. This isn’t about rejecting data – it’s about building systems that actually support learning at the local level.
The Problem With Education “R&D” Today
For too long, districts have operated in isolation, duplicating efforts and wasting resources on programs with questionable impact. As Jillian Doggett of Digital Promise puts it, “Right now, education R&D isn’t about experimentation; it’s about making smarter bets with limited resources.” The current system often forces districts to adopt broad-scale programs before confirming whether they work locally, leading to wasted funds and missed opportunities.
From Guesswork to Evidence: A New Approach
Superintendents like Dr. Robert Hill of Springfield City School District in Ohio are leading the charge. Hill argues that continuous testing and refinement, rather than reliance on outdated models, is essential for meeting students’ needs. His district is part of a national advisory group pushing for more responsive, data-driven research.
The shift isn’t just theoretical. Hill’s team used a collaborative model to tackle chronic absenteeism, analyzing real-time data with peer districts to identify effective interventions. This approach, focused on continuous improvement, has already yielded measurable progress in student engagement and academic outcomes.
Equity Through Research
For Dr. Audra Pittman of Calistoga Joint Unified School District in California, R&D is a matter of equity. If current practices aren’t working for all students, she believes districts have a moral obligation to innovate relentlessly. Pittman’s district is partnering with researchers to examine how families and staff can collaborate more effectively, focusing not just on whether something works, but for whom and under what conditions.
Collaboration Is Key
No district can go it alone. Pittman emphasizes the importance of national learning networks where leaders test, share, and refine practices. These connections provide access to emerging methods and evidence of impact, enabling faster, more informed decision-making. Doggett notes that this “connective tissue” allows district-led R&D to move quickly, learn in real time, and extend beyond individual systems.
The Funding Hurdle
The biggest challenge remains funding. Traditional structures often require districts to commit to specific programs upfront, stifling iterative testing. Leaders like Hill and Pittman recently met with policymakers in Washington, D.C., to advocate for a reimagined funding model that prioritizes flexibility and investment in effective R&D.
“When you’re surrounded by districts from across the nation, you are reminded that education … is truly a bipartisan issue,” says Pittman. “We are somewhat divided now, and this is an opportunity to bring us back together.”
The future of education hinges on this shift: from blind faith in outdated methods to a data-driven, collaborative approach that puts student outcomes first. Districts must demand the resources and freedom to experiment, learn, and scale what works – for the benefit of every student.
