MISSION

The Knowledge Applications Division (KAD) directs and coordinates activities focused on inquiry, knowledge development, and systematic documentation of nationwide reform assistance and dissemination efforts. The Division provides expertise, assistance, and coordination to the Office of Reform Assistance and Dissemination (ORAD) staff and the projects they manage in designing and implementing inquiry-base strategies, ranging from informal collection of anecdotal evidence to controlled studies and program evaluations. The work of the Division informs education reform efforts--which include the development and implementation of challenging content standards and new assessment techniques, curricular and policy alignment, and professional development.

The Division manages a process for identifying and validating promising practices, especially those based upon application of research-based knowledge. KAD provides expertise to other ORAD and agency programs on ways of identifying programs and practices that effectively apply the principals of standards-based systemic reform. KAD also evaluates the impact of ORAD-managed programs on state and local reform.

KAD supports the following programs and activities:

• Blue Ribbon Schools Program
• Expert Panels
• Evaluation Activities