Community-Based Organizations’s Use of Research Evidence to Inform State Education Policy

• In Event: From Evidence to Action: Bridging Research and Practice in Educational Decision-Making (Research Use SIG Paper Session)

Abstract

This Texas-based study examines how intermediary organizations (IOs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) use research evidence to advocate for educational equity. While IOs are known for effectively communicating research to policymakers, less is known about how CBOs integrate evidence into their efforts. Using a comparative case study of three organizations, findings highlight that CBOs—though under-researched—play a critical role in the policy ecosystem. Unlike IOs, CBOs ground their use of evidence in lived experience and self-determination, which resonates strongly with decision-makers. This suggests that CBOs offer a distinctive, powerful approach to bridging research and policy, particularly in advancing equity-focused reforms.

Author

• Sofia Bahena, University of Texas - San Antonio