The EmpowerED Research Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, provides a vital research partnership for DLW, supporting its mission to help school leaders design, implement, and maintain impactful K-12 digital learning programs. As an independent, unbiased organization, the EmpowerED Research Institute brings credibility, depth, and actionable insights to the challenges and opportunities associated with digital transformation in education.

By leveraging cutting-edge research methodologies and a commitment to equity and innovation, the EmpowerED Research Institute equips school leaders with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions that enhance their digital learning programs.

Unbiased and Credible Research

The EmpowerED Research Institute specializes in conducting customized research studies that align with the specific goals and challenges of individual schools and districts. Research topics are tailored to the unique context of each school’s digital learning program, allowing leaders to address their most pressing questions and priorities.

Examples of research that EmpowerED Research Institute can conduct include:

• Program Effectiveness Studies - Evaluating the impact of digital learning initiatives on student engagement, achievement, and equity.

• Equity Analyses - Examining how access to technology and digital resources varies across student populations, with recommendations for addressing gaps.

• Technology Utilization Studies - Assessing how educators and students are using digital tools and platforms to inform training, resource allocation, and program enhancements.

• Professional Development Impact Studies - Measuring the effectiveness of teacher training programs on instructional practices and student outcomes.

• Stakeholder Perception Surveys - Gathering insights from teachers, students, parents, and administrators about the strengths, challenges, and opportunities of a school’s digital learning program.

How Research Supports School Leaders

The research provided by the EmpowerED Research Institute serves as a critical resource for school leaders, offering actionable insights that guide the development and refinement of digital learning programs.

Specific benefits include:

Informed Decision-Making

EmpowerED Research Institute provides data-driven recommendations that help school leaders make confident, evidence-based decisions. Whether evaluating the effectiveness of existing programs or planning new initiatives, school leaders can rely on credible research to identify what works and where improvements are needed.

Demonstrating Program Impact

For digital learning programs to gain support and sustainability, leaders must demonstrate their value to stakeholders. Research studies from the EmpowerED Research Institute provide robust evidence of program impact, including measurable improvements in student outcomes, teacher satisfaction, and equity. This data strengthens the case for continued investment in digital learning.

Addressing Challenges and Identifying Opportunities

Research helps school leaders uncover barriers to success, such as inequitable access to technology, gaps in professional development, or insufficient stakeholder engagement. Armed with these insights, leaders can implement targeted strategies to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities for growth.

Supporting Continuous Improvement

Digital learning programs thrive when they are dynamic and responsive to changing needs. EmpowerED Research Institute offers ongoing research support, enabling school leaders to monitor progress, refine strategies, and sustain continuous improvement over time.

Building Stakeholder Confidence

Independent research from a nonprofit organization like EmpowerED Research Institute builds trust among stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and board members. The credibility and neutrality of the research provide assurance that recommendations are based on objective evidence rather than commercial interests.