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For the Good of the City: Achieving Economic Opportutnity for All through the Octavius Catto Scholarshipo

 
Join Us on May 14th to Learn How the Catto Scholarship Drives Economic Opportunity for Philadelphians 
 

The Mayor’s Office of Education, Community College of Philadelphia, and Research for Action invite you to join us on May 14, 2024, for a convening to identify opportunities to collaboratively achieve economic opportunity for all Philadelphians through the Community College of Philadelphia’s Octavius Catto Scholarship initiative. 

In 2021, the City of Philadelphia launched the Catto Scholarship as a major anti-poverty initiative designed to put more Philadelphians on the path to success. Today, there are more than 1,600 Catto Scholars and close to 2,500 residents who have benefited from the initiative. During this event, you will learn about the scholarship and its early successes. We will also work together to consider how you and your organization can help to enhance its impact. 

There are at least four areas of opportunity for strategic partnership between you, your organization, and the Catto Scholarship initiative, including: 

  • Promoting the Catto Scholarship to your students and constituents, 
  • Offering employment and internship opportunities for Catto Scholars, 
  • Providing enhanced support to Catto Scholars transferring to four-year colleges and universities, and 
  • Advancing policy to support the Catto Scholarship and the Free Community College movement.
 
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Relationships First in the School District of Philadelphia
 
Scaling Up a Multi-Tiered Schoolwide Restorative Approach
 

Last year, the U.S. Department of Education awarded $3.97 million to the School District of Philadelphia (SDP), in partnership with Research for Action (RFA), through the Education Innovation and Research (EIR) program. This EIR grant funds the implementation, scaling, and evaluation of Relationships First (RF). RF is a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) and schoolwide restorative justice model that prioritizes racial equity, trauma-informed practice, buy-in (from youth and adults), and youth leadership. RF focuses on building relationships between K-12 students and adults in their school communities.

 
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Careers at RFA
 
Join Our Team: Research Positions Available at RFA
 

Join Research for Action in our mission to advance equity and justice in education. We're seeking a quantitative or mixed-methods Research Associate to join our team. As a Research Associate, you'll lead research projects, develop data collection tools, analyze data, and contribute to our collaborative work culture. Ideal candidates have strong methodological skills and a passion for social science and education research. We're also hiring a Visiting Research Analyst for a one-year position with potential for permanent conversion. This role supports multiple projects and offers opportunities to develop research skills.

 
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Latest Projects, Research, Policy & Analysis

 
 
Evaluation of K-3 Literacy Programming in Philadelphia
 
Evaluation of K-3 Literacy Programming in Philadelphia
 
RFA is evaluating four K-3 early literacy intervention programs in Philadelphia over three years. These initiatives aim to enhance reading skills for students needing extra support through tailored interventions and tutoring. Our evaluation seeks to demonstrate program effectiveness, highlight successes and challenges, and facilitate program enhancement.
 
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Democratizing Education Data Collective
 
Democratizing Education Data Collective
 
The Democratizing Education Data Collective (DEDC) aims to put research and advocacy power into the hands of the students, families, and communities impacted by public education in Philadelphia. This pilot project equips them with data tools and documentation that can power community-informed educational research and reform.
 
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Statewide Studies of Educational Outcomes of Boys & Girls Clubs Members
 
Statewide Studies of Educational Outcomes of Boys & Girls Clubs Members
 
RFA is examining whether Boys & Girls Clubs (BGC) programming helps to support student success and improve educational outcomes for Club members in participating states, including North Carolina, Ohio, California, and Rhode Island. Using a quasi-experimental design, our research is matching Club members to similar non-club members to compare educational outcomes between young people in similar circumstances.
 
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Evaluation of a Longitudinal Comparative Study of Black Women in STEM+Medicine
 
Evaluation of a Longitudinal Comparative Study of Black Women in STEM+Medicine
 
RFA serves as the external evaluator for a National Science Foundation study on WINS, a program supporting minoritized women in STEMM (STEM + Medicine). Led by Drexel University, the study compares WINS alumnae and applicants from 1995-2015. RFA provides formative and summative feedback and recommendations that can improve research implementation, identify best practices, and document indicators of success.
 
REVIEW
 
 
 
 
 
Allegheny County Teach-in
 
 
Watch Wisdom to Action: An RFA Teach-In in Allegheny County  
 
Held on March 19, 2024, at the August Wilson Cultural Center in Pittsburgh, “Wisdom to Action” was an event that brought together nearly 100 attendees, among them educators, students, community leaders, philanthropists, and policymakers, all focused on the urgent need to amplify the voices of Black teachers amidst a concerning decline in educator diversity in the region. 
 
 
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Recent News

 
Roundup of RFA at AERA  
 
RFA was thrilled to welcome the 2024 American Educational Research Association (AERA) Annual Meeting to the City of Brotherly Love on April 11-14, 2024. Our team members made a strong showing at the event—the preeminent convening for education researchers and a showcase for leading-edge studies. We have a page filled with the research our team members presented at the conference. Watch for updates.
 
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Join Us at AERA 2024!
 
 
 
 
 
 
Research for Action Strengthens Leadership Team with New Appointments
 
Research for Action Strengthens Leadership Team with New Appointments
 
Kim Glassman and Dr. Suzanne Delap have joined RFA as research directors, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to their roles. In addition, Dr. Alyn M. Turner has been named Interim Chief Research Officer.
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Stay connected with RFA for the latest updates, research insights, and educational initiatives. Follow us on social media to join the conversation, stay informed, and be part of our community.

 
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About RFA

 
Our Mission
 
Research for Action conducts research, evaluations, and technical assistance to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for all learners.
 
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Our Work
 
Our researchers are experts in all areas of education research from preK-12 through postsecondary to workforce preparation and out-of-school time. 
 
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Stay up to date between issues. Visit the News & Events section of our website to explore the insightful articles, research highlights, and upcoming opportunities.
 
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