The Johns Hopkins Center for Social Organization of Schools studies how the organization of schools directly impacts effectiveness — and how promoting equity and social justice increases student outcomes in school and long after.
For more than 50 years, the center has explored how changes in the structure and organization of schools can boost student outcomes. Our research is particularly focused on improving the quality of education in under-performing schools. Now housed in the Johns Hopkins School of Education, our center brings together researchers from across Johns Hopkins University — sociologists, psychologists, policy analysts, educators, and other scholars and practitioners. This multidisciplinary team develops strategies, materials, tools, and curricula aimed at supporting school improvement and student outcomes around the country.
Our Research
You’ll find our groundbreaking research published in academic journals and presented at national conferences. Our faculty members have written books and textbooks on topics related to the organization of schools. They also serve as subject matter experts to the mainstream media.
Our Research Faculty & Staff
We’re an interdisciplinary team of researchers, educators, and practitioners from across Johns Hopkins and beyond, and we’re supported by a skilled project support staff.
Our Research Faculty & Staff
We’re an interdisciplinary team of researchers, educators, and practitioners from across Johns Hopkins and beyond, and we’re supported by a skilled project support staff.
Baltimore Education Research Consortium
BERC is a research practice-partnership between higher education institutions in Maryland, Baltimore City Public Schools, and civic and community partners that serve families and children in Baltimore City.
Explore BERC
BERC works collaboratively with partners while maintaining an independent voice and is a highly valued connector of education stakeholders and leaders across Maryland.
Explore BERC
BERC works collaboratively with partners while maintaining an independent voice and is a highly valued connector of education stakeholders and leaders across Maryland.
Our Projects
We partner with schools, organizations, and communities around Baltimore and beyond to improve student outcomes at every level, from pre-K to 12th grade. These programs and services not only inform our research, but they also provide a learning opportunity for our graduate students.
Featured News
In a new review of four leading adolescent reading-accelerator programs, a team of reviewers from the Johns Hopkins School of Education say that motivating young people to read is increasingly possible and more important than ever.
