Schools do not operate in a vacuum. There is a constellation of conditions and experiences that impact how students learn and what they achieve. Together with our partners, the Research Alliance is shining a light on these factors and generating insights about how the varied systems that touch students’ lives can work together more effectively to support student success.
“The Research Alliance's record of producing actionable evidence on both specific programs and big-picture issues is enviable, and the breadth and depth of its partnerships is extraordinary.” – Augusta Kappner, President Emeritus, Bank Street College of Education
Over 12% of NYC’s elementary students experienced homelessness before the 5th grade. Our work points to the importance of building relationships with families and collaborating with community partners to meet these students’ needs.
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"The research that has come out of this center has been invaluable in shaping the educational experience for our students and educators alike." – David C. Banks, NYC Schools Chancellor (2022 – 2024)
Other factors held constant, Black students who grew up in heavily policed neighborhoods were 8% less likely to graduate high school than those exposed to low levels of policing. Reducing educational disparities requires reforms not only in schools, but in the other systems and institutions that shape young people’s lives.
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"The Research Alliance for New York City Schools is shining a light on the ways to dismantle structural barriers that impede true equity for all New Yorkers." - Jennifer Jones Austin, CEO and Executive Director, FPWA
Only 27% of Latinx students attended a high school offering high levels of advanced coursework, compared with 33% of Black students and 43% of White and Asian students. Addressing these differences in opportunity is crucial to prepare students for success in college and careers.
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"The work of the Research Alliance for New York City Schools is critical in understanding and improving our schools." – Carmen Fariña, Former NYC Schools Chancellor (2014 – 2018)
Improvements in self-regulation and growth mindset were associated with a higher GPA, especially for students with IEPs and those living in disadvantaged neighborhoods. Our partnership with the Student Success Network (and its 80 member organizations) focused on measuring and supporting social and emotional learning.
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"The Research Alliance places an independent, important, fact-driven check on (policy) debates, one that is sorely needed.” – Joel Klein, Former NYC Schools Chancellor (2002 – 2010)
The Research Alliance advances equity and excellence in NYC’s public schools by providing rigorous, nonpartisan evidence about policies and practices that promote students' development and academic success. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest findings from our work.
Join Us in Shaping Future Research
We’re committed to deepening our understanding of how schools and communities can work together to better support all students. If you have ideas, questions, or proposals for research that could strengthen school-community collaboration, we’d love to hear from you. Your insights can help shape future studies that are responsive, inclusive, and grounded in the real needs of students, families, and educators. Please reach out to us to share your thoughts or to explore potential collaboration.
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