The Collaborative came together virtually on October 29, bringing fresh updates, inspiring discussions, and meaningful reflections on our ongoing work. Co-Chair DaSean Jones opened the meeting with a warm welcome, introducing DCPS’s new representative Jennifer Rosenbaum and honoring the late Karen Cole, a dedicated DCPS colleague. He also reminded at-large members about renewing their terms and encouraged expressions of interest.
Community Updates and Celebrations
Members shared recent successes, underscoring the incredible work happening across our community to advance DC’s education landscape. Each update reflected the collaborative spirit that keeps our mission moving forward.
Insights from Our Research Director
Dara Shaw walked us through some exciting projects on the horizon. Look out for the upcoming DC Education Data Inventory and the DC Alumni Career Outcomes Survey—resources aimed at answering key questions about student pathways and workforce readiness. Dara also provided updates on our IES CTE project with DCPS and new research on DC families’ pre-K enrollment decisions. She encouraged all members to support these projects by sharing resources and materials within their networks.
Engaging Our Advisory Committee
Dara also led a valuable discussion on our project design, inviting feedback from members to ensure our research stays relevant and impactful. The Collaborative thrives on these insights—thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts and questions!
Executive Director’s Report and Future Plans
Josephine Bias Robinson recapped her recent testimony at the DC City Council’s hearing on the "Vocational Education for a New Generation Act of 2024," where she emphasized our commitment to evidence-based strategies for student success. Josephine also highlighted our recent partner spotlight features, including the SBOE literacy mixer and GW’s research on school-based behavioral health.
A Fond Farewell to Josephine
Josephine shared that she will soon step down as Executive Director, passing the baton to Dara Shaw. We celebrated Josephine’s impactful leadership and look forward to honoring her contributions at our next in-person meeting on December 11 at the Urban Institute.
What’s Next?
The Collaborative is gearing up to share more innovative research and partner stories on our website and LinkedIn. Thank you to everyone who continues to drive this work forward—together, we’re building a stronger foundation for education in DC!
