what we're studying

Research Priorities

Postsecondary Readiness

Working to ensure every student has a clear and supported path to college and career.

Supporting Educators

Identifying and scaling the job-embedded supports educators need to provide high-quality instruction for every student.

“This is the time to do this work. Our hope is for all kids to get a high-quality education in Metro Nashville Public Schools that allows them to thrive to be successful in school and after they graduate.”

Maury Nation

Professor, Department of Human and Organizational Development, Vanderbilt University

Student Absenteeism

Understanding the root causes of and designing solutions to student absenteeism in Nashville.

Youth Success & Wellbeing

Developing strategies for how city agencies, community organizations, and the school district can establish citywide accountability to foster successful youth outcomes and wellbeing.

“Our goal is to better understand how we identify best practices at the district level so that all students have an opportunity to be successful. This research work is not performative, we are actively trying to pinpoint the root causes of issues and address them. This is truly about being more student-centered in everything we do.”

Ashford Hughes

Executive Officer of Student Success and Opportunity, Metro Nashville Public Schools

Positive School Climate

Examining MNPS strategies that support the development of positive student skills, acknowledging the role of these skills in fostering positive school climate.