Researchers, Practitioners, and Funders: Perspectives on Strengthening Education Policy in Partnership Across Different Roles

Drs. Meghan McCormick and Jason Sachs have been key leaders of a longstanding partnership between researchers (from MDRC, Harvard Graduate School of Education, and the University of MIchigan) and the Boston Public Schools. During this time, they have conducted numerous studies of educational policies and programs. In the fall of 2023, McCormick and Sachs transitioned from their roles as a researcher and practitioner (respectively) to new positions at the Overdeck Family Foundation and Gates Foundation.  The Overdeck Family Foundation is an education funder focused on birth through grade 9. In her new role, McCormick leads the foundation’s investments in research and evaluation. The Early Learning Solutions program at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is focused on providing solutions that help prekindergarten teachers better understand and nurture a child’s learning and development. In Sach’s new role, he serves as the Deputy Director of Early Learning for the U.S. programs. In this presentation, Drs. McCormick and Sachs will discuss how their experiences as a researcher and practitioner working in partnership have prepared them for this new role at a foundation. They will also share opportunities they see to use research and evaluation to make a positive impact on education policy and how these opportunities vary across roles.

• Education Policy Speaker Series
• education policy