The Education Trust has been a leading advocate at the intersection of civil rights and education for the past 25 years. While the organization has long prioritized research and evidence, it has more recently advocated for inclusive education research and development (R&D) – R&D that bridges the gap between the lab and the classroom by involving educators, students, and communities throughout the process. Augustus Mays, the Education Trust’s Vice President for Partnerships and Engagement, is working with the Alliance for Learning Innovation and others to advance this work. In this 5 Questions interview, Augustus explains how advocating for inclusive R&D relates to their core mission and why equity-centered R&D matters.
What is the Education Trust and what should people know about it?
The Education Trust, founded over 25 years ago, is dedicated to advancing policies and practices that ensure educational equity for all students, particularly those from marginalized communities. Our mission is to speak up for students whose needs and potential are often overlooked, evaluating every policy and practice through the lens of what is right for students. By centering race in our analysis and disaggregating data to uncover inequities, we aim to influence narratives, policies, and practices to create a system that serves all students effectively. Our commitment to racial equity drives us to focus on closing opportunity gaps and advocating for high-quality education for every student, regardless of their background.
The Education Trust Is A Leader In Education And Civil Rights Advocacy. More Recently, It Has Advocated For More Inclusive Education R&D. What’s The Connection To Your Core Work?
Inclusive education research and development (R&D) is a natural extension of our core mission to promote equity and excellence in education. By advocating for R&D that centers on the needs of diverse learners, we ensure that educational practices and policies are informed by evidence and designed to address the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities. Our work on issues like high-impact tutoring and pandemic recovery efforts demonstrates how targeted research can lead to effective solutions that advance equity. By pushing for inclusive R&D, we aim to develop and implement practices that are not only evidence-based but also equitable, ensuring that all students have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
By advocating for R&D that centers on the needs of diverse learners, we ensure that educational practices and policies are informed by evidence and designed to address the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities.
What's been the biggest surprise for you so far in the Education Trust’s education R&D advocacy?
The biggest surprise has been the level of enthusiasm and support from various stakeholders for equity-centered R&D. We have seen a growing recognition of the importance of including diverse voices in the research process, which has led to more collaborative and innovative solutions. Additionally, the willingness of policymakers to engage with and act on our recommendations has been encouraging. For example, our work within the InvestEdTX coalition and our testimony during interim hearings in Texas have resulted in significant policy changes, such as the passage of HB 1416, which protects evidence-based components of high-impact tutoring. This demonstrates a shift towards valuing and implementing research that is directly informed by the needs of those it aims to serve.
Where do you see the Education Trust and its role in the education R&D ecosystem in five years? How will AI factor in?
In five years, we envision the Education Trust playing a pivotal role in advocating for and driving equity-centered education R&D at both the state and national levels. We aim to continue to advocate for policies that will build robust partnerships with researchers, educators, and policymakers to co-create innovative solutions that address persistent educational inequities. AI will be a critical tool in this effort, enabling education leaders to analyze data more efficiently, identify patterns, and develop personalized learning interventions for all students.
What else should people know?
People should know that the Education Trust is unwavering in its commitment to educational equity. We believe that every student, regardless of their background, deserves access to high-quality education and the opportunity to succeed. Our advocacy is grounded in rigorous research and a deep understanding of the systemic barriers that students face. We work tirelessly to dismantle these barriers and create an education system that truly serves all students. We invite educators, policymakers, and community leaders to join us in this mission, as we believe that collaboration and shared commitment are essential to achieving lasting change. Together, we can build a more equitable and inclusive education system that meets the needs of every learner.
We believe that every student, regardless of their background, deserves access to high-quality education and the opportunity to succeed.
