ATS Hub Field Note — Essential Practices for Breakthrough R&D in Education

To support the development of a robust, coordinated field of education innovation, this field note outlines the essential practices for Breakthrough R&D in Education. The Accelerate, Transform, Scale (ATS) Hub defines breakthrough solutions as novel advances that fundamentally redefine persistent educational challenges and drive system-level change. By adapting the Bridgespan Group’s Strong Field Framework, this field note emphasizes that codifying agreed-upon methods, standards, and processes is a critical step toward maturing the ecosystem. The authors propose ten essential practices for breakthrough R&D that provide a foundational structure for researchers and innovators to align their efforts, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and build the capacity needed to achieve scalable, transformative improvements in learning outcomes. This document serves as a starting point for the field to refine these standards, measure implementation, and create the conditions necessary for lasting impact across the U.S. education system.