Assistant Professor Sade Bonilla was recently named the inaugural faculty research director for the Penn Graduate School of Education’s Office of School and Community Engagement.
In the new role, Bonilla will lead select research projects within the School District of Philadelphia and provide “thought leadership” on the evaluation of OSCE’s programs, according to the Nov. 7 announcement from Penn GSE. Her appointment is part of a larger effort by the GSE Dean and George and Diane Weiss Professor of Education Katharine Strunk to expand OSCE, creating more capacity for community engagement efforts.
“I am excited that Dr. Sade Bonilla will serve as OSCE’s inaugural Faculty Research Director,” Strunk said in the announcement. “With this new role, Penn GSE will expand our capability to conduct research that directly responds to the needs identified by the School District of Philadelphia.”
In her first research project, Bonilla will analyze data from the SDP to identify teachers who have benefited student outcomes and investigate the “equity implications of uneven teacher distribution across schools.” To provide a complete picture of teacher influences on student success, the study will also look at non-academic outcomes, including attendance.
Penn GSE supported educational efforts in Philadelphia and beyond over the past few years. In 2021, it collaborated with the Free Library of Philadelphia to offer free online adult English language courses. In 2023, it enhanced teacher training programs amid a nationwide K-12 educator shortage.
Going forward, Bonilla will develop a timely research agenda in collaboration with the SDP to address “pressing questions” that align with the district’s needs, which will inform the allocation of resources and implementation of policies.
“We want to empower the district to translate rigorous research insights directly into impactful practice and policy,” Strunk said in the announcement. “We look forward to the many ways Sade’s efforts will advance Penn GSE’s commitment to deepening our longstanding relationships with the school district.”
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