Inclusive R&D Framework
The Inclusive R&D Framework and Toolkit presented here captures EF+Math’s approach to research, development, and evaluation centered on equity and school communities. Inclusive R&D brings researchers, developers, educators, students, and families together as co-experts, elevating their expertise and honoring the brilliance of historically marginalized communities. We define equity in education as creating the conditions for historically marginalized educators and learners to shape — and fully access — high-quality learning. It requires honoring their identities, values, and cultural wealth while recognizing how power, privilege, and opportunity influence every aspect of schooling.
The diagram below shows EF+Math’s Inclusive R&D Framework, developed from our program community’s experience and influenced by Digital Promise’s Inclusive Innovation Model, among others. At its core is a fundamental premise: creating meaningful research and equitable learning products requires equitable processes. Before any project begins, teams must build a foundation for inclusive R&D by forming diverse teams, creating equity practices, and engaging with school communities (educators, students, and families). As a project unfolds, teams attend to equity throughout by cultivating strong relationships, restructuring power dynamics, and reflecting and adapting with the community. These practices continue throughout and beyond a project, as part of an ongoing, iterative process.
Establishing the Foundation for Inclusive R&D
Inclusive R&D begins with a strong foundation: diverse teams, equitable practices, and deep collaboration with school communities most impacted by systemic inequities.
Form Diverse Teams
- Ensure the core project team and leadership team reflect the identities of the students being served
- Recruit core team members with experience working with diverse communities
- Build interdisciplinary teams that bridge research, development, practice, and community expertise
Create Equity Practices
- Define explicit actions and reflection practices that help you reach your equity goals
- Establish shared leadership and decision-making practices
- Build critical knowledge and awareness of the lived experiences and strengths of students and communities being served
Engage School Communities
- Structure school partnerships to ensure the full participation of members of the school community who best know and understand the strengths and needs of the students you are aiming to serve
- Invest early in building strong relationships with educators, students, and family members
- Understand the priorities and goals of the educators, students, and family members
Attending to Equity in All Stages of Inclusive R&D
Inclusive R&D keeps a focus on equity throughout all stages of research, development, and evaluation. Trusting relationships, shared decision-making, and responsive practices ensure every stage of the work honors all learners’ strengths and experiences.
Restructure Power Dynamics
Inclusive R&D requires rethinking who holds power. Restructuring power dynamics means sharing decision-making, honoring lived expertise, and shifting resources to better support those closest to the work.
Reflect and Adapt
Inclusive R&D is grounded in ongoing reflection and intentional adaptation. Reflecting and adapting means learning together, making space for honest feedback, and adjusting course with attention to both equity and everyday realities.
Cultivate Strong Relationships
Inclusive R&D grows from genuine relationships. Cultivating strong relationships means investing time in authentic connection and shared learning, celebrating local expertise, and building trust and a shared vision to support meaningful collaboration throughout the partnership.
Learn How the Inclusive R&D Process Works
In Research
Explore priority actions, examples, and resources for inclusive research practices.
In Development
Explore priority actions, examples, and resources for inclusive development practices.
In Evaluation
Explore priority actions, examples, and resources for inclusive evaluation practices.
Inclusive R&D Report
For a deeper look at our philosophy, reflections, and methods, read the report below. This report offers expanded insights and reflections on EF+Math’s Inclusive R&D Framework and practices, complementing and extending the toolkit.
