Research Projects

We conduct foundational research in search of effective classroom practices and solutions to challenges that hinder learning. By identifying evidence-based programs that work for educators and students, the Friday Institute helps schools and systems scale innovative approaches to teaching and learning.

64 Active Contracts & Grants

2024-2025

$21.6M
Contracts & Grants

2024-2025

A group of professionals talk over a table with laptops and notebooks

The Selection and Evaluation of Advanced Teachers

The purpose of ATR is to allow highly effective classroom teachers (Advanced Teachers) to impact an increased number of students and enable local school administrative units to create innovative compensation models that focus on classroom teacher professional growth. Ultimately, the goal of ATR is to produce measurable improvements in student outcomes.

Indigo graphic with a collage of images of people working in a classroom interspersed with icons including a lightbulb, magnifying glass and a wrench. Includes the text "Free personalized professional learning to support teachers and instructional coaches in developing expertise in teaching statistics and data science in grades 6-12. instepwithdata.org

InSTEP: Invigorating Statistics Teacher Education Through Professional Online Learning

InSTEP is an innovative personalized online learning platform that allows teachers to develop their expertise in teaching statistics and data science.

FLIP-STEM Interdisciplinary Hub

FLIP-STEM aims to center middle school students’ knowledge and experiences in technology design and development while incorporating a data science focus to explore how students’ experiences, interests and knowledge can be transformed into meaningful datasets for investigation.

Student sitting at a table playing educational game

EcoJourneys

The Friday Institute is participating in the development of game-based learning environments using AI large language models (LLMs) that provide responsive adaptations to learners’ needs during gameplay.

Developing STEM Identity in Rural Audiences through Community-Based Engineering Design (DeSIRE)

DeSIRE is a partnership between the College of Engineering and the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation at North Carolina State University (NCSU), the NC Mathematics and Science Education Network Pre-College Program (MSEN), the Edgecombe County Public Schools (ECPS) district, and local advanced manufacturing industry.

A group of young children stand in front of a silver bowl with steam coming out of it. One child stirs the steam with a spoon while wearing goggles while an adult pours liquid into the bowl.

Families and Museums Exploring (FAME)

By partnering with local museums, Gail Jones is engaging families in STEM activities and encouraging students’ interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Catalyst Grants

The purpose of the Catalyst Grant program is to increase research collaborations among faculty and staff in the College of Education departments and those located at the Friday Institute. A primary objective of this program is to “seed” collaborative research that will lead to further research and support from external granting agencies.

Grants Awarded

Educators in Flood gallery lobby of Friday Institute

Blue Ribbon Commission on Public Education May 2026 Brief

This brief provides an overview of the Commission’s first charge in regards to student achievement and advancement.

Educators’ Perspectives on Generative AI in K-12: Informing AI in Education Guidance

This study explored education leaders’ perceptions and experiences with AI integration in K-12 education through interview and focus group data collection during the Friday Institute’s AI in K-12 Education Convening. At the culmination of the 2023-24 school year, the study’s findings are compared against guidance for AI in K-12 education published by 12 state education agencies.

Instructional Design Principles for Remote Teaching and Learning

The Instructional Principles for Remote Teaching & Learning provide guidance to schools and districts during the COVID-19 crisis.

May 29, 2026

Blue Ribbon Commission on Public Education Discusses School Accountability, Literacy at Second Meeting

If nearly a third of North Carolina schools receive a D or F, what is the accountability system actually telling us? What will it take to sustain and extend early…

May 15, 2026

Blue Ribbon Commission on Public Education Focuses on Student Success for First Meeting

As the Blue Ribbon Commission on Public Education convened its first meeting at the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation April 27, preparing every student for success was at the forefront…

April 21, 2026

Friday Institute to Serve as Administrative Lead and Strategic Research Partner for Blue Ribbon Commission on Public Education

The Friday Institute for Educational Innovation will serve as the administrative lead and strategic research partner for the newly formed Blue Ribbon Commission on Public Education, supporting the coordination, convening…

Research Projects

64 Active Contracts & Grants

$21.6M
Contracts & Grants

Featured Research Projects

The Selection and Evaluation of Advanced Teachers