Rigorous research

EPI researchers are actively engaged in a variety of research projects, including evaluations of early literacy interventions, COVID-19 impacts on K-12, college readiness and success initiatives, and other education policies aimed at improving outcomes for children into adulthood.

MERI (Michigan Education Research Institute) event poster with attendees in background

Leveraging knowledge

Research partnerships

We have established formal research collaborations with a number of state and local education agencies—including in Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, Texas, Tennessee, and Boston. We engage in partnerships with researchers at other leading universities as well.
Teacher and students in class wearing masks
Featured research: Pandemic's Effect on Demand for K-12 Schools

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically disrupted the functioning of U.S. public schools, potentially changing the relative appeal of alternatives such as homeschooling and private schools. By analyzing administrative data from academic year 2020-21, education scholars are adding to a growing base of information regarding the impact of COVID-19 on student enrollment patterns. This research includes the first analysis of how remote or in-person learning relates to parents choosing homeschooling or private schools, as well as the first evidence on national variation in homeschooling choice by household income and age.
K-12 COVID enrollment research project
Powerful data resources

Michigan Education Data Center (MEDC)

Operated by EPI, MEDC is a secure data clearinghouse that helps researchers use Michigan’s education data to uncover critical insights about children, schools, and educational interventions, ultimately improving outcomes for students. MEDC is part of the Michigan Education Research Institute (MERI), a groundbreaking partnership launched in 2018 between U-M, MSU, the Michigan Department of Education, and the Center for Educational Performance and Information.
Learn more
Two pencils