Our Mission
The mission of the Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy is to improve public education through well-informed decision-making based on deep knowledge and evidence of effective policymaking and practice. As Massachusetts’ preeminent voice in public education reform, we create open spaces for educators and policymakers to consider evidence, discuss cutting-edge issues, and develop new approaches to advance student learning and achievement. Through our staunch commitment to independent, non-partisan research and constructive conversations, we work to promote an education system that provides every child with the opportunity to be successful in school and in life.
Our Theory of Action
We use a three-pronged approach to carry out our mission, weaving together independent research and on-the-ground support for practitioners to inform large-scale policy change:
Research: Our team conducts research in the field to uncover successful models for improving public education in Massachusetts. Spanning the educational pipeline, our independent research explores a variety of innovative practices from early education and care through college and career. We analyze successful programs across the state and nation to understand how they can be used and scaled in the Massachusetts context. Designed to be used by practitioners, our research is rooted in the perspectives of educators, students, families, and community members.
Practice: Putting our research into action, we team up with schools and districts to help design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based reforms with a focus on equity. Our team provides direct support to build the knowledge and capacity of communities, districts, and schools, so that new programs become sustainable and locally led.
Policy: We bring lessons learned from our research and practice work directly to policymakers to drive systemic change. From hosting individual meetings with state leaders to informing public conversations on critical issues to testifying in front of the legislature, we ensure that decision-makers have the evidence-based knowledge and community perspective they need to make the best decisions for young people across the Commonwealth.