Metro Atlanta Policy Lab for Education
It is widely recognized that education is key to promoting opportunity, reducing inequality and enhancing economic development. In the Atlanta metro area, policymakers, school leaders, non-profits and the business community are constantly striving to improve education quality, yet there is relatively little evidence on what programs and policies are working and for whom they are working.
MAPLE partners with Atlanta area school districts and other stakeholders to evaluate the effectiveness of existing education programs and policies, design and test creative policy solutions, and boost their capacity to interpret the evidence. By working collaboratively in an evidence-rich environment, we can find scalable and cost-effective solutions that will boost student success and strengthen our communities.
Current Participating Districts
- Atlanta Public Schools
- Clayton County Public Schools
- DeKalb County School District
- Fulton County Schools
- Gwinnett County Public Schools
Key Elements and Outcomes
Establish joint research agenda
Identify key policy issues our district partners face and determine the feasibility of conducting research to address those issues.
Build research capacity
Create a longitudinal database of administrative data available to both district staff and university researchers. Enhance districts’ research capabilities by embedding graduate students in district research offices.
Carry out research
Study impacts of existing policies, carry out trials of innovative programs and evaluate the potential for scaling up.
Shared, ongoing information flow
Provide information in varying formats to a variety of stakeholders. This includes policy briefs, academic research papers, public presentations and data sharing with government partners.
Our Research Initiatives
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Identifying ways to improve the selection of new teachers, limit disparities in access to effective teachers and keep the best teachers in the classroom -
Creating innovative policies and programs that will get struggling students on track for long-run success -
Analyzing programs and policies to better address the unique needs of all students