Research for Action Roundup RFA Roundup Insights Into Action. CONTACT US Season’s Greetings: A Year-End Reflection on Our Journey in 2024 As we look toward the start of the new year, the team at RFA has found it instructive to reflect on the achievements of 2024. Our year was marked by significant internal transformation and impressive external impact. This year's achievements demonstrate a commitment to operational excellence, enhanced research capabilities, and centering community engagement. Here are a few highlights of our key accomplishments and a look ahead to 2025. SEE HIGHLIGHTS Calling All Youth Organizers: Share Your Voice and Shape the Future Here’s an opportunity to be part of the Funders' Collaborative on Youth Organizing (FCYO) 2025 Field Scan and help showcase the strength of youth organizing. RFA is supporting FYCO with a national survey that aims to capture the transformative work of youth and intergenerational organizers. It’s meant to build on the success of the 2020 scan that engaged more than 300 organizations. Your participation will shape understanding of the field's ecosystem, challenges, and future vision. Organizational leaders or those familiar with your group's full scope are encouraged to complete the survey. Participants can win one of four $500 vouchers for organizational coaching or training. Share this message with youth-led or intergenerational organizing groups in your network to amplify our collective voice! START HERE The Exodus of Black Teachers: Insights from RFA's Leana Cabral RFA researcher Leana Cabral and colleagues interviewed 30 Black public school teachers in Philadelphia to understand the reasons behind their departure from the profession. The study revealed that Black teachers face unique challenges, including racial discrimination, lack of support, and feeling undervalued. Many reported experiencing microaggressions, being overlooked for leadership roles, and feeling pressured to take on additional responsibilities related to race. The research, shared recently in The Conversation, highlights the importance of retaining Black teachers and promoting diversity in education. The findings suggest that addressing these issues is essential for creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for Black educators. READ MORE Watch: PERC Research Highlights Gap Between Course Completion and Exam Success Under Act 158 A recent School District of Philadelphia webinar hosted researchers from the Philadelphia Education Research Consortium (PERC) for a discussion on Pennsylvania’s Act 158 and its implications for graduation requirements in the School District of Philadelphia. They presented findings from a series of reports examining student performance on Keystone exams, which are now tied to graduation under Act 158. RFA’s Dr. Alyn Turner shared historical data from the graduating classes of 2018 and 2019 to understand patterns of Keystone-associated course-taking and exam performance before Act 158 was implemented. Her analysis reveals a stark gap between course completion and Keystone exam success in Philadelphia schools. While more than 80% of students pass Keystone-associated courses on their first attempt, only a minority go on to pass the corresponding exam. With only 35% of students estimated to meet Keystone graduation pathways under Act 158, the study underscores the urgent need for enhanced student support and guidance in navigating new graduation requirements. WATCH Recent News RFA in the News: Students Experiencing Homelessness Continue to Go Under-identified Research for Action's David Lapp highlighted the issue of under-identification of Pennsylvania students experiencing homelessness in a recent WESA interview. The state ranks 30th nationally in identifying these students. Lapp's research shows that homelessness is often concentrated in underfunded districts and raises concerns about these students in cyber charter schools. He advocated for equitable funding and better training for educators to identify and support students experiencing homelessness, emphasizing the importance of ensuring all children have access to necessary resources. LISTEN Teacher Diversity Research Highlighted The teaching profession is experiencing a decline in racial diversity among new entrants, despite widespread initiatives to broaden the demographic makeup of educators. This Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article summarizes Research for Action research on teacher diversity in Pennsylvania's Allegheny County. Read More Help Drive Our Mission Forward: Support RFA At Research for Action, we're pioneering a new vision for education research - one that puts data directly into the hands of those closest to the issues we study. Our commitment to community engagement and equity-focused frameworks is reshaping how we approach educational challenges. In 2024, we've made significant strides in this direction. Our research on teacher diversity and economic opportunity has informed policy and practice. We've employed culturally responsive methodologies to assess the impact of existing policies and programs, always asking: "What works for whom and why?" As we look to 2025, we aim to expand our impact and reach. Your support can help us: Conduct more community-engaged research projects Expand our use of critical frameworks in assessing educational intervention Enhance our systems, ensuring we operate at the highest standards of efficiency and security Join us in reimagining education research. Our primary focus remains on transformative research that advances a just education system. Your contribution, no matter the size, will help put powerful data and insights into the hands of communities, educators, and policymakers. Together, we can create lasting change in education. SUPPORT RFA About RFA Our Mission Research for Action conducts research, evaluations, and technical assistance to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for all learners. READ MORE 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.  READ MORE News & Events Stay up to date between issues. Visit the News & Events section of our website to explore the insightful articles, research highlights, and upcoming opportunities. READ MORE 35 ACTIVE PROJECTS 24 RESEARCHERS 18 RECENT AWARDS 437 PUBLICATIONS Join the Conversation Visit Our Website | Contact Us Copyright © 2025 Research for Action. 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