Strategies to Empower School Districts to Improve Educational Outcomes and Drive Systemic Change

The Decision Lab (TDL) has spent over five years collaborating with diverse stakeholders to apply decision science in shaping equity-centered curriculum decisions. This session will present insights from national studies on school district decision-making and the broader education ecosystem, providing actionable strategies to support all districts—particularly those serving larger populations of marginalized students—in improving educational outcomes and driving systemic change. Presenters will introduce evidence-based behavioral frameworks designed to increase the adoption of high-quality instructional materials (HQIM), including core curricula, EdTech solutions, and curriculum-aligned professional learning products and services. The session will also examine how strategic partnerships can create lasting transformation by equipping districts with the necessary tools and support to make more effective, equity-driven procurement decisions. Rather than adding to the workload of already overburdened educators, the discussion will emphasize shifting responsibility to the broader education ecosystem to foster sustainable, long-term change.

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