Applying Research to Improve Systems, Strategy, and Decision-Making
WestEd researchers operate at the intersection of research, policy, and practice, bringing the methods of systematic inquiry to bear on real-world problems. Our featured experts are available to help you ensure systemic success related to pressing challenges during a global pandemic.
Lenay Dunn
Project Director and Senior Research Associate
Using evidence to improve systems
Lenay leads research, evaluation, and technical assistance projects that help stakeholders use evidence to improve systems and outcomes. As Deputy Director of Regional Educational Laboratory West (REL West), she guides REL West’s portfolio of applied research and analytic technical assistance to state education agencies, districts, and schools and leads several projects in Arizona that use research and evidence as part of a continuous improvement strategy.
Examples of Lenay’s leadership in evidence use include co-authoring a widely disseminated resource designed to help guide states in supporting evidence use in districts and co-leading development of this REL West guide to assess the applicability of evidence-based interventions. Lenay provides training and coaching to state education agency and local education agency staff on how to use tools and resources to select, implement, and assess evidence-based strategies to improve outcomes.
Related Evaluation Resource
Anti-Racist Evaluation Strategies: A Guide for Evaluation Teams
Jason Willis
Director, Strategic Resource Planning & Implementation
Leading strategic resource management and implementation
Jason is a leading expert working to ensure state, regional, and local education agencies align their policies, strategies, and accountability practices with an overarching goal to achieve more equitable outcomes for students. His team’s work in the Strategic Resource Planning & Implementation area provides policy evaluation, school funding formula reviews, strategic planning services, organizational design consultation, facilitated cross-agency collaborative efforts, and cost analysis tools, including methods to assess the effective use of resources.
As school districts across the country are receiving billions of dollars in federal relief aid, Jason is leading a team of expert researchers and technical assistance providers who are providing thoughtful guidance to help states, LEAs and their stakeholders to equitably and strategically invest those dollars.
Strategic Management of ARP Funds
Leveraging American Rescue Plan (ARP) Resources in Response to COVID