As we look toward the start of the new year, the team at RFA has found it instructive to reflect on the achievements of 2024. Our year was marked by significant internal transformation and impressive external impact. This year’s achievements demonstrate a commitment to operational excellence, enhanced research capabilities, and centering community engagement. Here are a few highlights of our key accomplishments and a look ahead to 2025.
A Year of Foundational Change
2024 saw RFA undergo a substantial modernization, upgrading its technological infrastructure and streamlining internal processes. This included the adoption of four new enterprise systems that govern our research operations, manage our data, and enable a greater range of communications tools. These upgrades, combined with the migration to cloud systems and a move to a new office space, have significantly enhanced operational efficiency and data security.
Beyond technological advancements, we’ve focused on internal improvements that advance our vision of being a human-centered organization, one that prioritizes the needs, experiences, and well-being of our people and partners. A revised research leadership model, coupled with intensive professional development, has culminated in several promotions and new hires, facilitated by a hiring process designed to promote diversity and inclusion. In addition, we’ve invested in a high-quality internship program to help shape future generations of education researchers.
Strengthening Research and Impact
RFA’s research, evaluation, program design, and technical assistance efforts have also seen significant advancements. Our Impact team’s work, encompassing a
wide array of projects, focuses on determining the effectiveness, scalability, and sustainability of interventions to improve educational outcomes and advance a just education system. Their rigorous research in 2024 leveraged diverse methodologies, including random clinical trials, quasi-experimental designs, case studies, and meta-analyses, producing high-quality evidence for education systems nationwide.
Our Catalyst team conducted a wide range of new, innovative research and evaluation studies using culturally responsive, participatory, and equitable methods to address complex challenges facing school systems and communities. Guided by community engagement and anti-racist frameworks they collaborated closely with partners and change agents, such as Philabundance, William Penn Foundation, and the City of Philadelphia to put research and advocacy power in the capable hands of students, families and educators, to build a national network of teacher-researchers, discover critical gaps in out-of-school-time offerings, and evaluate the effectiveness of a workforce development program.
RFA’s approach emphasizes developmental and formative methods, complemented by technical assistance and facilitation services. We strive to produce accessible, engaging, and action-oriented research that meets the needs of diverse school communities nationwide. Our goal is to democratize access to data and research, working hand in hand with those closest to the issues we are addressing.
We place a strong emphasis on meaningful engagement with community throughout our work. Our vision is to contribute to a just education system through exploratory studies, innovative methodologies, and the development of new insights that define problems, draw attention to critical issues, and suggest promising practices for persistent challenges in education.
Communications and Outreach
We have significantly amplified our voice in the education sector through heightened communications, outreach, and thought leadership. This enhanced visibility is reflected in the organization’s expanding reach across various communication channels, solidifying RFA’s position as a trusted, go-to source for credible information and critical analysis of education issues from early childhood, K-12, out-of-school time, and postsecondary and the workforce. RFA’s communications expansion reflects a strategic effort to engage a wider audience, activate change agents in multiple sectors, and enhance accessibility of our research findings. The combined impact of these communication strategies has significantly elevated RFA’s profile.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we move into 2025, RFA is poised for further growth and impact. Our plans include additional hires, along with continued system integration to enhance data analysis and project management. We’re also committed to strengthening outreach to and partnerships with change agents to effect systems-level change in education.
2024 has been a year of transformative growth for our entire team. By investing in infrastructure, strengthening our research capacity, and expanding our outreach, RFA has established a strong foundation for continued success in advancing a just and equitable education system. As we celebrate these achievements, we remain committed to our mission of conducting high-quality research to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for traditionally underserved students. We look forward to another year of growth, innovation, and impactful research in 2025.