Our Framework

EduDream combines Culturally Responsive and Equitable Evaluation (CREE) principles and rigorous research methods to produce insights that catalyze impactful action — with, and for, communities.

Our Process

EduDream approaches every partnership in a collaborative manner and embeds CREE principles across our work.

Our Work

High-quality, rigorous, and accessible work that will empower and motivate you to make decisions grounded in equity and evidence-based practices.

Our Services

Collaborative research that elevates the voices of racially and economically diverse students, families, and communities.

The Hub

A multi-year, actionable research initiative generating evidence to advance policy dialogue on K12 education.

EduDream - About Us

About Us

EduDream is a Latina-founded, women-owned, and equity-focused research consulting firm that partners with nonprofits, foundations, and education institutions to provide culturally responsive and community-centered research and strategy. Led by a team of experts, EduDream redefines what’s possible for education research.

Bridging Community Voice & Rigorous Research

We partner with nonprofits, foundations, and educational institutions on collaborative research that elevates the voices of racially and economically diverse students, families and communities, informs decision-making, and leads to systemic change.

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Approach

Research done with communities, not to communities

EduDream combines Culturally Responsive and Equitable Evaluation (CREE) principles and rigorous research methods to produce insights that catalyze impactful action — with, and for, communities. Our approaches to research, community relationships, and client collaboration lead to more innovative strategies and greater long-term results across the education sector.

Partners

We work with leading philanthropic and education organizations to disrupt systemic inequities in education

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Closeup image of homework and graphic charts

Services

How we can help you

When you work with EduDream, you’ll receive high-quality, rigorous, and accessible work that will empower and motivate you to make equity-based decisions grounded in evidence-based practices. Our work will not only challenge you to expand what’s possible through education research, but also provide the evidence, clarity, and learnings needed to catalyze your work.

Actionable Research

We offer rigorous mixed-methods actionable research to expand organizational knowledge and provide strategic clarity.

Data Strategy

We leverage data equity and collaborative approaches to support organizations in transforming their use of data to drive impact.

Program Evaluation

We design mixed-methods, quasi-experimental evaluation plans and execute learning, formative, and summative evaluations.

Needs Assessment

We focus on strengths and asset-based perspectives to better understand where and what resources could have the greatest positive impact on communities.

Selected Projects

Fostering student motivation

EduDream partnered with The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop a common definition of student motivation, engagement, and persistence (MEP). We provided a systematic review of over 100 studies and produced a research synthesis that outlines common definitions of MEP, highlights the importance of students’ lived experience, in and outside the classroom, and offers recommendations for future research and policy practices.

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Together, we can rewrite the educational opportunities and learning experiences of racially and economically diverse students.

Established in 2016, EduDream is a Latina-founded, women-owned research consulting firm inspiring transformation within education by bridging community voice and rigorous research together. Founded by culturally responsive and experienced researchers, Michelle and Monica, EduDream partners with foundations, nonprofits, and educational institutions to provide community-centered research, evaluation, and strategy.

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Thought Leadership

The latest from EduDream

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May 06 2024

Celebrating 8 Years of Equity-Centered Research

Today, EduDream proudly celebrates its 8th year of impactful work. We reflect on the accomplishments of co-founders Monica Martinez and Michelle Oliva who established a...
In Pursuit of Racial Equity: A Pathway for Action and Transformation in Education - White Paper
Feb 03 2021

In Pursuit of Racial Equity: A Pathway for Action and Transformation in Education

Addressing systemic inequities in our education system, intensified by COVID-19, requires centering on racial equity solutions. Now is the time to address inequities...
Chicago Latino Needs Assessment: Opportunities to Invest in Children and Youth - Executive Summary
Jun 25 2021

Chicago Latino Needs Assessment: 3-Part Series

For Chicago to remain an economic powerhouse, Latinos must prosper through quality educational experiences, community programming, postsecondary and career training,...
Students raising hands in a classroom
Jan 27 2022

Standards-Based Reform: 3-Part Series

Through a three-part series, EduDream explores the extent to which Standards-Based Reform (SBR) addressed structural inequities in education and the unintended...
NAEP: Shifting from a National Assessment of Educational Progress to a National Assessment of Our Educational Priorities
Dec 14 2022

NAEP: Shifting to a National Assessment of Our Educational Priorities

As 2022 comes to a close, we at EduDream are reflecting on what 2023 will bring for students who are now back in school for their second year of “normal” in-person...
On Racial Healing: Using Data and Dialogue to Foster Learning
Jan 30 2023

On Racial Healing: Using Data and Dialogue to Foster Learning

As the nation observed Martin Luther King Day earlier this month, the United States is in an evolving space when it comes to acknowledging historical and present-day...
A Traumatized Generation: Our Collective Responsibility to Prevent School Shootings
Feb 28 2023

A Traumatized Generation: Our Collective Responsibility to Prevent School Shootings

It’s hard to believe that my youngest turned 12 years old last month. Her birthday was a supersized Tuesday filled with pizza, bowling, arcade games, and a store-bought...
40 Years of Standards-Based Reform: What Comes Next?
Apr 26 2023

40 Years of Standards-Based Reform: What Comes Next?

Today marks the 40th anniversary of the National Commission on Excellence in Education’s publication of A Nation at Risk, which sent education reform into overdrive....
Graduation caps
Jul 27 2023

Debunking Debt: The Drive for Student Loan Forgiveness

Last month, in derailing President Biden’s plan to relieve $400 billion in student debt, the Supreme Court delivered a setback to our country’s ideals of education for...
Students on campus
Sep 07 2023

Post-Affirmative Action: Navigating the Path to Equity and Economic Mobility

June, the month of finishing finals, walking across the stage for graduation, and the beginning of summer, quickly turned into a month of despair as the US Supreme...
Student writing
Nov 02 2023

Testing the Waters Insights Into Parent Perspectives on Through-Year Assessment Implementation

The K12 Research for Equity Hub In spring 2022, EduDream launched the K12 Research for Equity Hub (The Hub), a multi-year actionable research initiative generating...