Resource

ATS Hub Field Note: Understanding the Science of Team Science for Accelerated Research in Education

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Authors: Stephen M. Fiore and Rebecca Griffiths doi.org/10.51388/20.500.12265/325 Abstract: Teamwork, not just technical expertise, determines whether interdisciplinary education research succeeds. The Learning Sciences have always been interdisciplinary, bringing together researchers, educators, and developers who hold different epistemologies, values, and standards of evidence. These differences often show up as teamwork problems that weaken trust, communication, and … Read more

Why Education Needs Both Traditional and Breakthrough R&D

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Originally posted on the Digital Promise Blog on October 8, 2026 | By Erin Higgins and Rebecca Griffiths Key Ideas Traditional research and development (R&D) plays a foundational role in driving long-term progress, but cannot carry the full weight of transforming our education system. Coordinated investments in breakthrough R&D, such as the Institute of Education … Read more

Cultivating a Strong Field: Reengineering Education R&D for Speed, Scale, and Impact

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"Cultivating a Strong Field: Reengineering Education R&D for Speed, Scale, and Impact" by authors Rebecca Griffiths and Erin Higgins, and an image of four adults collaborating together with laptops.

Authors: Rebecca Griffiths, Erin Higgins https://doi.org/10.51388/20.500.12265/321 Abstract Education research and development (R&D) too rarely translates discoveries into classroom change, and traditional research cycles struggle to keep pace with urgent needs and rapid technological shifts such as generative AI. The Institute of Education Sciences’ Accelerate, Transform, Scale (ATS) Initiative, modeled on DARPA’s high-reward, responsible risk-taking approach, … Read more

ATS Hub Field Note: Essential Practices for Breakthrough R&D in Education

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Cover for the ATS Field Note —Essential Practices for Breakthrough R&D in Education

Authors: Erin Higgins, Rebecca Griffiths https://doi.org/10.51388/20.500.12265/312 Abstract: To support the development of a robust, coordinated field of education innovation, this field note outlines the essential practices for Breakthrough R&D in Education. The Accelerate, Transform, Scale (ATS) Hub defines breakthrough solutions as novel advances that fundamentally redefine persistent educational challenges and drive system-level change. By adapting … Read more

The Learning Agency: Guidelines for the Safe and Responsible Use of AI in Ed Tech

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Guidelines for the Safe and Responsible Use of AI in Ed Tech Report cover

From The Learning Agency As AI becomes more prevalent in classrooms, building tools that are both responsible and effective is more important than ever. Developed in partnership with Renaissance Philanthropy, Guidelines for the Safe and Responsible Use of AI in Ed Tech helps ed tech developers prioritize students’ learning and wellbeing in their AI-powered products. … Read more

SETA-ED PRISM: An R&D Readiness Self-Assessment

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Hosted by SETA-ED. Your proposal text is processed in real time and stored only in your own browser, not on our servers. Please read before you use PRISM PRISM is offered for concept development and self-reflection only. It is not sanctioned by IES, and it does not represent feedback, guidance, or advice from IES or … Read more

ATS Hub Field Note: AI Model Evaluation

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Authors: Warren Li, Melanie Kurimchak, and John Whitmer https://doi.org/10.51388/20.500.12265/300 Abstract: The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence into educational technology necessitates a rigorous approach to model evaluation, as the consequences of unchecked AI systems fall heavily on students, educators, and organizations. When AI tools are deployed to individualize learning, score student work, or generate feedback without … Read more

ATS Field Note: The UX Design Loop

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Authors: James Gartrell and Erik Johnson https://doi.org/10.51388/20.500.12265/299 Abstract: This field note introduces the 5-Phase user experience (UX) Design Loop as a transformative framework for education R&D teams. As AI technologies accelerate development cycles, this methodology helps teams navigate the shift from traditional static design to rapid, code-first prototyping. The loop emphasizes a cyclical, iterative process: … Read more

ATS Field Note: Using AI in Prototyping

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Cover for the ATS ATS Field Note —Using AI in Prototyping

Authors: Cynthia McGurl, PhD and Bob Maisscotte https://doi.org/10.51388/20.500.12265/298 Abstract: Education Research and Development (R&D) demands efficient methods to bridge the gap between conceptualization and district-, school-, or classroom-ready solutions. This field note examines how AI-supported prototyping accelerates development, enabling R&D teams to transition from ideas to functional, testable tools. By integrating AI into structured workflows, … Read more

ATS Hub Field Note: Breakthrough Innovation: A Working Definition

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Cover for the ATS Hub Field Note Breakthrough Innovation: A Working Definition with a blue header and the ATS Hubs logo then text of the field note

Authors: Kerry Friedman, Candice Benge-Steele, Adrienne Woods https://doi.org/10.51388/20.500.12265/297 Abstract: Breakthrough innovation in education requires more than incremental improvement, it demands fundamental shifts in how problems are understood, addressed, and measured. This field note presents a working definition of breakthrough innovation in education as a highly novel advance that redefines entrenched problems, enables significant improvements in … Read more