Research Practice Collaborative (RPC):

Evidence from the Field on How Durable Skills Are Built

The Research Practice Collaborative (RPC) is America Succeeds’ flagship qualitative research initiative examining how schools and programs across the United States intentionally develop durable skills in young people.

Over 16 months, our research team conducted site visits in diverse communities, including urban, rural, and small town settings. We studied public, charter, and private models; interviewed more than 200 students, educators, and industry partners; and analyzed thousands of pages of transcripts, student work, and program materials.

Across every context, we observed the same pattern: when schools deliberately design for durable skills such as communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability, students experience clearer purpose, stronger engagement, and more powerful preparation for life after high school.

The RPC exists to surface what works, share practical insights, and support educators and leaders who want to make durable skills real, not theoretical.

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Phase II: Deepening and Expanding the Evidence

NEW REPORT NOW AVAILABLE

Phase II builds on the early findings from the Research Practice Collaborative by expanding the research to examine the implementation of durable skills development at greater depth. This phase focuses on identifying easy-to-replicate practices and generating tools educators can apply in their own contexts.

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Phase I: What Durable Skills Look Like in Practice

Phase I of the Research Practice Collaborative examined how innovative high schools and profession-based programs are intentionally cultivating durable skills and connecting learning to real-world applications. The findings highlight the systems, instructional practices, and adult mindsets that enable students to build skills that transfer across school, work, and life.

Phase I Case Studies

Four in-depth case studies spotlight pioneering schools and programs from Phase I. Each profile illustrates how durable skills come to life through curriculum, assessment, partnerships, and student experience.