Summit Public Schools' embedded R&D system: internal R&D team, mentoring program, self-directed learning curriculum, and progress-tracking platform¶

Element · All elements
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

Summit Public Schools, a charter network in California and Washington, embeds R&D in its educational model using continuous improvement principles. The report states: "The charter network built an internal R&D team to study student persistence and cognitive development. Drawing on teacher and student feedback, they developed a mentoring program and self-directed learning platform, which were piloted, adapted, and eventually scaled across their network." System-wide outputs include a technology platform tracking student progress with real-time data for educators, a multi-year alumni study informing advising changes, and a community-designed post-secondary pathways program.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• A dedicated internal R&D team that partners with teachers, leaders, and external researchers

Constraints¶

• The report notes stakeholder involvement is "not always full co-design"

Target Learners¶

• Secondary students in a charter network preparing for four-year colleges

Target Learning Goals¶

• Student persistence, cognitive skill development, personalized student-centered learning, and college readiness

Related Elements¶

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Smith, K. A., & Stewart, J. (2026, January). Research and development in America’s schools: How school systems drive sustainable improvement and innovation. Digital Promise. https://doi.org/10.51388/20.500.12265/283