In 2018, the DC City Council passed legislation authorizing the creation of a research-practice partnership to support better educational outcomes in DC public schools.  

The Urban Institute responded (PDF) to the notice of invitation in 2020, and the DC Council selected Urban to lead the partnership in 2021. The Collaborative launched the same year. 

In 2022, Advisory Committee and Research Council members created the Collaborative’s research agenda, which is informed by listening sessions with key stakeholders, survey data, and other public engagement.