THE RESEARCH BEHIND
Challenge Success
Challenge Success started as a research project at the Stanford Graduate School of Education in 2003 and continues to provide educational research insights to the field.
Everything we do is grounded in research, from our survey tools developed by Stanford researchers to the articles we publish and the strategies we share with schools and families. We conduct and review recent research in order to provide the most up-to-date insights for our schools, families, and students.
OUR APPROACH TO EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH
We provide K-12 educators and families with trusted information
Our research team analyzes data collected from our school surveys as well as findings from other experts in the fields of education, psychology, and medicine to identify insights and patterns about student well-being, belonging, and engagement with learning.
In order to share these findings and help educators and parents make informed decisions that will enable their students to thrive, we publish books, easy-to-read briefs, research reports, and articles.
PUTTING K-12 EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH INTO ACTION
For Schools
Our SPACE framework for school change is the cornerstone of the work we do with schools. This framework is used in our School Partnership to co-design learning environments that support student well-being, engagement, and belonging.
For Families
Kids of all ages need playtime, downtime, and family time (PDF) every day for healthy development. Explore our research-based tips to help incorporate these protective factors into their daily routines. Available in English and Spanish for families with students in preschool, elementary, and secondary school.
EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS
Explore our K-12 educational research and insights
Reports
We conduct quantitative and qualitative research and share our findings in self-published reports. As an affiliate of the Stanford Graduate School of Education, we adhere to the highest standards of ethics in our research.
Reports
2025 Raising Her Voice Research Report (a collaboration with the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools – ICGS)
2024 Student Voice Report (part of Dr. Vivek Murthy’s Call to Action on Youth Mental Health)
2021 Kids Under Pressure (in collaboration with NBC to understand the affects of the pandemic on the student experience)
Articles
We frequently share our research in a variety of publications.
A select list of our popular pieces are below; visit our press page for a complete archive.
Popular Articles
Stressed, tired, and yearning for support. (KAPPAN, 2025)
Cheating in the age of generative AI: A high school survey study of cheating behaviors before and after the release of ChatGPT. (Computers & Education, 2024)
Helping students to learn and grow (KAPPAN, 2024)
How Can Schools Support Gender-Diverse Students’ Well-Being? (ASCD, 2024)
A Caring Climate Promotes Belonging & Engagement (KAPPAN, 2022)
Making Time for Well-Being (ASCD Educational Leadership, 2022)
Why Full Engagement Matters (Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 2013)
Briefs
Our briefs aim to make educational research accessible – no Ph.D. required! Each brief summarizes literature on a topic and offers practical ways to apply the findings.
Research Briefs
Quality over Quantity: Elements of Effective Homework
A “Fit” over Rankings: Why College Engagement Matters More Than Selectivity
OUR BOOKS
