Unique Opportunity Ahead for CEPR

The Center for Education Policy Research (CEPR) at Harvard University announced that Christina Grant has been named its new executive director.

Grant brings extensive experience to CEPR from her previous role as the state superintendent of education in Washington, D.C., overseeing policy, standards, federal and local grants, and assessments for more than 95,000 students.

“With Dr. Grant’s leadership, we will help the decision-makers in education begin to test their ideas — evaluating curricula, tutoring programs, absenteeism reduction, and more.” said CEPR faculty director Thomas Kane in the announcement of Grant’s new role. “No reform idea in vogue today will make a bigger difference 20 years from now than making the systematic testing of any reform proposal a habit and an expectation — as well as a moral obligation to students.”

Grant touted CEPR’s “unique” opportunity to help districts create a bridge between K-12 education and the research and resources available to scholars in higher education. Grant noted other industries use evidence-based research more effectively, advocating for educators to use the data available to them the way fields like law, medicine and even athletic organizations do to impact decision-making.

“You watch a football game and there’s all sorts of evidence-based research playing out. They’ve researched what angle to kick the ball, how fast players are, there’s so much research playing out,” says Grant. “We need to ensure that kind of research is playing out in our school systems, and the work is creating these partnerships that are building deep understanding and trust to make sure people are willing to engage in these conversations so that the lives of children can be improved.”

Below, Grant outlines what’s ahead for CEPR and shares her goals as she transitions into leadership later this year.

What are you excited to work on in your new leadership role at CEPR? 
I am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to immerse myself in the dynamic intersection between research findings and their tangible impact on decision-making at the grassroots level. Within this space lies the potential to translate rigorous research insights into actionable strategies that resonate within local school boards, school buildings, and classrooms. Recognizing the substantial investments districts make in training teachers, supporting principals, and enhancing overall educational systems, I am deeply committed to ensuring that these resources are effectively directed towards addressing the most urgent academic and social needs of students and families.

Through a steadfast dedication to evidence-based research, we can maximize the utility of limited resources, driving continuous improvement and fostering student success. As someone who has spearheaded educational systems, I am thrilled to contribute to CEPR's ongoing commitment to enhancing our education systems across the nation for the betterment of all stakeholders.

What does it mean for you personally to step into this role? 
Stepping into this role marks a profoundly significant milestone in my educational leadership journey as I approach my 24th year of service in education this fall. Filled with both excitement and gratitude, I reflect on the profound impact my career has had on countless children and the communities I've served. Rooted in 23 years of hands-on experience in K–12 education, deeply grounded in the principles of research and practice, this new chapter offers an opportunity to expand the scope of my impact beyond a single district or region. My journey, enriched by direct engagement with students, educators, and communities, has instilled in me a deep commitment to ensuring that every child, irrespective of their background or circumstances, has the opportunity to thrive.

If I didn't have the teachers who cared deeply about my success, access to the right interventions, and critical supports; zip code could have equaled destiny for me. I am thankful to have had a career focused on serving children like me, where getting it right matters. My personal story fuels my passion for education and underscores the importance of equitable access to quality learning experiences. As I step into this new role, I am driven by a sense of responsibility to advocate for all children and to ensure that their potential is not limited by their circumstances.

Why is introducing evidence-based policies so essential to educational success? 
Introducing evidence-based policies is paramount to educational success, especially as we confront pressing issues such as chronic absenteeism, student well-being, and teacher retention. While these challenges are widely acknowledged, the path to effective solutions requires more than surface-level understanding and urgency. It necessitates a rigorous integration of evidence-based research into our education systems and classrooms. Research projects and their findings serve as potent tools for harnessing data, meticulously dissecting its insights, and employing them to drive informed practices. By aligning research, practice, and progress, we can catalyze tangible improvements in student outcomes, ensuring that every child receives the support they need to thrive.

Are there any changes in focus or priorities with CEPR as you enter this new era and you step into your new role?
As we enter this new era and I assume my role at CEPR, there's a palpable sense of urgency to engage in substantive conversations about the pivotal role evidence-based research plays, both at the state and local levels of education. While we do not have a groundbreaking announcement poised to transform the landscape tomorrow, the overwhelming enthusiasm sparked by the release of our Education Recovery Scorecard speaks volumes. It underscores a nationwide eagerness among states and districts to actively participate in these crucial discussions.

Personally, I am deeply gratified to be part of this collaborative effort, fostering meaningful partnerships that hold the promise of driving impactful change. This juncture presents an opportune moment for us to dive headfirst into this endeavor, leveraging our collective expertise and resources to propel education forward.