By Jeni Corn, PhD
Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Stanford University to attend the Annual Conference on Collaborative State & Local Policy Research at the Hoover Institution – a place where big ideas and bold policy conversations collide. The Hoover Institution is a public policy think tank that seeks to improve the human condition by advancing ideas that promote economic opportunity and prosperity while securing and safeguarding peace for America and all mankind. I wasn’t just there to soak up the California sunshine. I had the privilege of presenting alongside some brilliant minds and wonderful colleagues:
- Greer Arthur, Director of Research at the NC Collaboratory
- Catherine Truitt, former North Carolina State Superintendent of Public Schools
- Joe Coletti, Director of Oversight Staff, North Carolina House of Representatives
Our topic? “A New Model for Transforming Scientific Research Expertise into Education Policy, Teaching Best Practices, and Accelerated Learning in North Carolina.”
First Impressions: Stanford is a Dream
I’ve seen pictures of Stanford before, but nothing prepares you for actually being there. The place is stunning – towering palm trees, historic buildings, and a kind of academic energy that makes you feel smarter just walking around. The Hoover Institution itself is legendary for its work in public policy and being in a space where so many important discussions happen was surreal. Secretary Condoleezza Rice provided opening remarks and welcomed the 70+ participants. Right from the start, the conference had a buzz – it was clear that everyone in the room was passionate about research, policy, and making real change at the state and local levels.
Our Big Moment: The Presentation
We were there to talk about something really exciting: How North Carolina is leading the way in turning research into real, impactful changes in the education sector. What We Shared:
- Greer Arthur kicked things off by explaining how the NC Collaboratory helps bridge the gap between scientific research and policy decisions. Translation? The Collaboratory ensures that good ideas don’t just sit in research papers but get used by policymakers to make things better.
- Catherine Truitt shared the challenges and wins from her time leading North Carolina’s public schools and why educators and policymakers need research-backed solutions that actually work in the classroom.
- Joe Coletti brought the legislative perspective, giving insight into how policy and funding decisions are made –and how research can help shape smarter laws that benefit students and teachers alike.
- And me? I talked about how we use innovative partnership models to connect relevant research to practice and policy.
The Best Part: The Conversations
What really made this trip amazing were the conversations. After our panel, we had so many people coming up to us, asking how they could bring this model to their state. The energy was contagious! And beyond our own session, the conference was packed with fascinating discussions—from “The Effects of Mental-Health First Responders” to “The Benefits of Unemployment Insurance for Marginally Attached Workers.” It was a reminder that there are so many smart, dedicated people out there trying to fix health/criminal justice, education, public finance, and housing —and that collaboration is the key.
A Few Personal Highlights
- Exploring Stanford’s campus – Seriously, I could walk around that place for hours including the Rodin Sculpture Garden!
- The Q&A session – There’s nothing better than a room full of engaged people throwing out smart questions.
- Networking with fellow policy changemakers – The connections I made here are ones I’ll be following up on for months (if not years!).
Final Thoughts
I walked away from this conference feeling completely energized. Seeing the interest in what we’re doing in North Carolina reminded me that we’re onto something big. If we keep building on this work – connecting research with policy and practice – we can make huge strides in addressing pressing issues faced by North Carolinians through academic research that advances knowledge and accelerates innovation Stanford, you were amazing. Hoover Institution, thanks for having us. And to everyone who joined our session – let’s keep this conversation going!
Jeni Corn is the Collaboratory Impact Evaluation and Strategy Director. She has extensive experience conducting research in school settings and providing technical assistance to school, district, and state-level education staff focused on research, evaluation, and policy in the Southeast.
Footnote: Collaboratory participation in this event was at the invitation of the Hoover Institution. Collaboratory staff travel was covered using non-state funds, and former Superintendent Truitt and Mr. Coletti’s travel was paid for by the Hoover Institution.