Research to Inform NC K-12 Education Policy Event Brings Together Multiple Organizations, Researchers to Bridge Research and Practice | College of Education News

May 22, 2026 - 23:29

More than 80 education researchers from across the UNC System gathered on May 13, 2026, to explore how to better link academic research with real-world policy decisions. The event, called the Research to Inform NC K-12 Education Policy convening, aimed to help scholars produce work that directly supports North Carolina policymakers.

The idea for the gathering came from a conversation between NC State College of Education's Paola Sztajn and several colleagues. They identified a need for stronger partnerships between researchers and the people making decisions about schools. They also saw opportunities for scholars to conduct studies that have a more immediate impact on classrooms.

Participants discussed ways to make research findings more accessible to lawmakers and school leaders. The group focused on practical steps to ensure that data and evidence play a larger role in shaping education policy across the state. By bringing together experts from different universities, the event sought to create a network that can respond quickly to the needs of North Carolina's K-12 system. Organizers hope this collaboration will lead to more effective policies that improve outcomes for students and teachers alike.