The Research Advisory Council

There has been a historic and persistent divide between academia and policy advocacy organizations. Higher education institutions are often criticized by policy advocacy organizations for their ivory tower mentality that does not address relevant policy and practice issues in a timely and practical manner. Policy advocacy organizations are often criticized by academics for not being deeply informed by cutting edge theory and research. This criticism helps maintain the divide between these two types of institutions.  

This is partly why Ed Trust has assembled the inaugural national P-12 Research Advisory Council (RAC), which comprises preeminent international scholars and academics from leading universities  who conduct groundbreaking, equity-based research. They will serve up to a three-year term.  

The RAC will provide insight on the educational landscape to help identify equity-based research and practices that dismantle the racial and economic barriers embedded in the U.S. education system. Their expertise will help Ed Trust continue to work alongside educators, policymakers, and advocates in communities across the country, providing practical assistance in their efforts to transform educational institutions that serve all students well. Conversely, academia will hopefully be positively influenced by seeing how research can and should have a direct and immediate impact to improve policy and practice. 

Together, we hope to bridge the divide between academia and policy advocacy in support of Black and Latino students, multilingual students, students from low-income backgrounds, and students with disabilities.

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