What We Do

Who We Are

The RP Group strengthens the abilities of California community colleges to gather, analyze, and act on information in order to strengthen student success. Grounded in our roots as a professional association for researchers and planners, the RP Group provides research, evaluation, technical assistance and professional development services that support evidence-based decision making and inquiry.

Because our work is defined and conducted by community college practitioners, the RP Group provides a unique, on-the ground perspective on complex issues within the California community college system. This approach has enabled us to take a leadership role in issues such as shaping statewide accountability reporting, disseminating successful strategies for under-prepared students, and improving implementation of student learning outcomes.

The RP Group, a non-partisan nonprofit, is supported by foundation grants, research and evaluation contracts, and membership dues.
 

What We Do

A core strategy for strengthening the use of information is to expand the definition of research in the minds of practitioners, funders, and evaluators. The RP Group applies an action-oriented cycle that includes gathering information and conducting analyses, disseminating and interpreting findings, and promoting action and ongoing evaluation of practice. We model this approach through the following three areas of work.

Research and Evaluation

The RP Group conducts nuanced research and evaluation from within the California community college system, focusing on issues of critical importance to student, institutional, and statewide success. Projects are conducted by teams of community college faculty, administrators, institutional researchers, and student services professionals. Our key research topics include workforce development, transfer, basic skills, and equity.

Professional Development and Networking

The RP Group actively facilitates efforts that allow practitioners to engage research findings, build skills, and share information about innovation at work within the California community college system. These opportunities include large statewide conferences, multi-day institutes, regional networks, and internet-based exchanges.

Customized Coaching and Technical Assistance

An increased focus on accountability means that faculty, administrators, and student services professionals must now engage with gathering, analyzing, and acting on information along side instutional researchers. The RP Group facilitates this shift through tailored support, often in partnership with other organizations such as the Community College League of California and the statewide Academic Senate. We also work with institutional researchers to build their own skills in providing data coaching and support to different constituents on their campuses.