Areas of Practice

Design consulting for equity

Designing for educational equity requires a comprehensive understanding of the diverse range of student and stakeholder needs. At ALI we specialize in creating learning environments that are not just inclusive, but also responsive to a wide range of learners—whether they're neurodiverse, multilingual, or from traditionally underserved communities. We do this by leveraging key frameworks such as Social Emotional Learning, Universal Design for Learning, and Culturally Responsive Education, and integrating them with best practices from the learning sciences. All this is done with an eye toward the latest technologies such as tutoring systems, interactive simulations, and Generative AI.

Our goal is to co-create solutions that engage every learner, not just include them. Through our evidence-based approach, we partner with you to build educational experiences that are equitable in both design and impact. Ready to take on the challenge and opportunities of educational equity? Let's team up.


Support implementation research and design

Navigating the complexities of diverse stakeholders in implementation research? ALI excels in fostering collaboration among a diverse set of stakeholders: designers, technologists, educators, content specialists, and community members. Our consultative process results in a methodology that is both empirically grounded and tailored to a diverse learner base, while maintaining local relevance.

Our comprehensive approach results in solutions that are not only effective but also thoughtfully integrated into the specific educational context in which they are deployed. Let's collaborate to translate your objectives into practical, research-driven outcomes.


Create effective learning solutions

Developing a distinct and impactful educational solution demands a confluence of expertise, time, and a nuanced understanding of dynamic education contexts and the impact of new technologies such as Generative AI. Leveraging a rich background in learning sciences and educational technology, ALI helps you design solutions that are engaging, increase learning, and integrate seamlessly into broader educational systems. Our toolbox includes design methodologies fine-tuned for scalability, equity-based learning strategies, and empirically-backed research approaches.

Additionally, our expertise extends to the application of standards and competency-based frameworks, essential components for tailoring your solution to meet the diverse needs of your audience.


Continuous improvement

Encountering challenges in fostering a culture of continuous improvement within your organization? ALI employs a rigorous Theory of Change methodology designed to facilitate a nuanced understanding of your organizational goals, existing processes, and incentive structures. This enables us to align these critical elements with your short-term and long-term objectives in a manner that is both academically rigorous and pragmatically actionable.

Our approach serves a dual purpose: it not only identifies your organization's specific learning requirements but also guides you in leveraging this information for sustained growth and improvement. When you collaborate with ALI, you engage a partner deeply committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement, one that values and actively operationalizes both immediate gains and long-term enhancements. Let's work together to facilitate this transformative journey efficiently and effectively.


Proposal preparation and review

Finding it challenging to align your organization's high-impact ideas with specific calls for proposals? ALI can facilitate this critical process with our specialized Value Identification and Improvement Process. This methodology is meticulously designed to harness your organization's collective intelligence, aiding in both the identification and refinement of the most compelling and relevant ideas.

ALI also offers a comprehensive review of your proposal drafts, complete with targeted guidance for revisions that are calibrated to maximize impact and meet funder expectations. When you collaborate with ALI, you engage a partner deeply committed to elevating the quality, efficacy, and alignment of your proposals through a lens of both academic rigor and practical application. Let's work together to optimize your proposal submissions effectively and efficiently.


Distillation, presentation, and advising on learning research

Navigating the labyrinth of research in education and learning technologies can be a daunting task, yet understanding this body of work is essential for de-risking your initiatives and capitalizing on significant investments already made in the field of learning sciences. At ALI, we offer deep and specialized expertise in learning sciences, and can distill the appropriate research through presentations, consultations, or advisory board roles. Let us work with you to de-risk your educational initiatives and achieve your objectives through a foundation of rigorous, research-backed insights.