Empowering Learners for
School, Work, and Life: Insights from the Research Practice Collaborative (Phase I)

In 2024, America Succeeds launched and completed Phase I of the Research Practice Collaborative (RPC) to explore how innovative schools and programs are preparing students for success through the development of durable skills—core competencies like communication, critical thinking, and adaptability. This project focused on the deliberate practices and systems that connect academic learning to real-world applications, equipping students for school, work, and life.

Working closely with four diverse schools and programs, America Succeeds conducted site visits, interviews, and focus groups to uncover how these institutions are fostering meaningful skill development. The findings provide actionable insights for educators and leaders aiming to create similar opportunities for their students.

This report marks the first phase of an ongoing initiative to deepen understanding and share effective strategies for durable skills education. Future phases of the Research Practice Collaborative will build on these findings, expanding to include additional schools and testing innovative approaches to skill development and assessment.