Regardless of the research tier , the goal of research at Falk is to engage in research that :
Helps to foster equitable educational opportunities for all children ,
centers teachers and students as producers of knowledge ,
connects research and practice , and
promotes collaborative approaches to research .
“ As we build understanding of research approaches , we can utilize these tools and mindsets — things like rethinking the schedule to allow a teacher to have engagement with a wider group of classes , for example ,” says Bartow Jacobs , “ or how we can allow our families a chance to access all our teachers on conference days .”
For example , when Falk leadership evaluated the food services the school provides , Bartow Jacobs conducted a survey to gauge attitudes toward everything from food quality to pricing and how food is delivered to students . She worked closely with Sarada , along with cafeteria staff and Falk parents Neena Reddy and Sansea Jacobson , to interpret the results . In response to community input , Falk partnered with its food service provider , Chartwells , and made several changes to how it provides food to its students , from providing a free snack to expanding and revamping its menu options . Sarada and Bartow Jacobs also ensured that data and analysis were shared with families , making it clear how these pieces had been used to guide the school ’ s decision-making process .
And when Falk embarked upon its strategic planning process , Sarada and Bartow Jacobs used surveys , townhall meetings , and small-group sessions to learn how different stakeholders see Falk now and what they envision for the school well into the future . This data is critical in shaping a strategic planning process that is inclusive , welcoming the voices of current Falk families , faculty , and staff along with alumni , former parents , and former student teachers .
Part of the Puzzle
The Research Fellows program and the increased use of tools drawn from research and improvement science are two previously missing puzzle pieces , part of a broader research picture that is now beginning to take shape .
Falk Lab School continues to support a number of research projects , ranging from those undertaken by Falk teachers ( known as Tier 1 projects ) to explorations led by outside researchers ( Tiers 3 and 4 ). Six Tier 1 research projects , led by Falk faculty , are described on p . 24 to 25 .
There also were a number of Tier 2 projects , collaborations with University of Pittsburgh faculty . This year , Falk worked with faculty across the University , including the Swanson School of Engineering , the School of Medicine , and the Departments of Biological Sciences and Statistics , among others .
A School Culture Framed by Research
Embracing a research mindset means adopting a systematic way of looking at things , says Bartow Jacobs .
“ A school culture framed by research allows space and time to pause and review what the research says instead of relying on gut instinct ,” she says . “ That applies to everything from a curricular model to how we ’ re working to enact progressive education throughout the school .”
“ Research processes and tools provide a way to make areas of inquiry visible , allowing groups to see places for changes and to track those changes ,” says Sarada . “ The ultimate goal is learning that leads to growth and improvement .” ■
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