• Research Reports   
Michael Berardino, Lydia Rainey, Bree Dusseault

What does it really take to scale systemwide innovation? This report examines whether and how districts can achieve deep change by scaling a single, districtwide “Bold Idea.” In the first phase of our Innovative School Systems Grant project, CRPE followed 11 districts that were piloting innovations designed to dramatically improve students’ learning experiences.

Must-Reads

A student explains the inspiration for his painting.
  • Research Reports    
Michael Berardino, Lydia Rainey, Bree Dusseault

What does it really take to scale systemwide innovation? This report examines whether and how districts can achieve deep change by scaling a single, districtwide “Bold Idea.” In the first phase of our Innovative School Systems Grant project, CRPE followed 11 districts that were piloting innovations designed to dramatically improve students’ learning experiences.

Latest Research Publications

  • Research Reports    

The Friction of Scale: Lessons from Scaling Up Innovation in Three School Districts

Michael Berardino, Lydia Rainey, Bree Dusseault

What does it really take to scale systemwide innovation? This report examines whether and how districts can achieve deep change by scaling a single, districtwide “Bold Idea.” In the first phase of our Innovative School Systems Grant project, CRPE followed 11 districts that were piloting innovations designed to dramatically improve students’ learning experiences.

  • Research Reports    

Phoenix Rising: Bold Ideas for States to Transform Public Education

Rebecca E. Wolfe, Robin Lake

This synthesis of the Phoenix Rising series presents a provocative yet pragmatic set of ideas to unlock large-scale renewal and principled innovation within public education.

  • Research Reports    

From Vision to Practice: How District Leaders Would Improve Civic Learning

Lisa Chu, Lydia Rainey, AK Keskin

As the 2026 midterms approach, the public and policymakers are asking whether schools are truly preparing students to participate in civic life.

  • Research Reports    

Leading Through Uncertainty: State Approaches to AI in K–12 Education

Dana Harrison, Cara Pangelinan, Bree Dusseault

AI reached K–12 classrooms before state policies on its use and role in public education did. States are taking action—but for most, that action is still ad hoc, fragmented, and not keeping up with the pace of change in classrooms and workplaces.

  • Research Reports    

PROFILE: From Exploration to Coherence: How SCORE Is Helping Tennessee Make Sense of AI in Schools

Maddy Sims, Cara Pangelinan, Dana Harrison

Tennessee has been a national leader on instructional improvement. Now, like every state, Tennessee faces a newer question: where and how should AI fit in?

  • Research Reports    

From Support to Priority: How Formal Structures Can Help Districts Protect Time for Civics Learning

Lisa Chu, AK Keskin

Civic learning is having a moment. But what actually makes it stick as a priority in schools? New national survey data from the American School District Panel (ASDP)—a research partnership between CRPE and RAND—find signs of growing momentum: 20% of district leaders said their district had increased its prioritization of civic learning over the past year, while 18% reported increased school board support.

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