Comment on Request for Information for S2S Program

This document is a comment submitted in response to the Request for Information (RFI) on the proposed program 'From Seedlings to Scale' (S2S) by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES). The S2S program aims to develop innovative solutions to address significant educational challenges, such as improving outcomes for all learners and closing achievement gaps. The response outlines recommendations for strengthening the S2S program, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders, including solution developers, researchers, educators, and community partners. It details the roles these stakeholders should play to maximize the program's success, highlighting the need for high-quality study designs and community engagement. The document also discusses the significance of an overarching learning and evaluation partner to guide the program's efforts and ensure effective communication and collaboration among teams. Additionally, it suggests funding mechanisms that encourage broad participation from diverse organizations, ensuring that the program can effectively address the pressing needs identified by educators and learners.