There is a growing consensus around the need to redesign schools from the standardized factory model we have inherited to one that can enable powerful learning and thriving for each and every student. Redesigning schools for deeper and more equitable learning requires systemic approaches that cultivate strong, supportive relationships and positive climate; enable rich, engaging, student-centered learning; implement meaningful family and community engagement; and maintain integrated student supports that enable health and well-being for the growing number of children who experience the effects of trauma, poverty, discrimination, and other adverse conditions. Such schools exist, but they are exceptions rather than the norm, and they contend with a policy environment that is not set up to enable or scale their work.

The Core Work of the Center is to:

• Conduct and assemble research and evidence of best practices on successful approaches to school transformation at the school and district levels and in educator preparation programs
• Examine and elevate the district, state, and federal policy approaches needed to take redesign efforts to scale
• Maintain a repository of resources on school transformation for practitioners, community-based organizations, researchers, and policymakers
• Support practitioners and policymakers with resources and tools to connect research, practice, and policy work

Key research-based resources that synthesize and translate research from the science of learning and development guide the Center’s work. These include resources that provide actionable guidance to practitioners and policymakers to drive school and systems change.