About Us

Design-Based Implementation Research (DBIR) is an approach to organizing research and development intended to promote effective, equitable, and sustainable improvements in education. It is an emerging method of relating research and practice that is collaborative, iterative, and grounded in systematic inquiry. DBIR builds the capacity of systems and partnerships to engage in evidence-based, continuous improvement as they work toward the transformation of teaching and learning.

This web site provides resources and links to help you learn about DBIR. It is intended for both researchers and educational leaders in schools, districts, and out of school settings. There are case examples as well as specific tools and routines for organizing research and development projects that are consistent with the four principles of DBIR.

Who We Are

Contact Us

Do you have feedback about DBIR? If so, send our team a message or contact us on Twitter at @learnDBIR!

This site has been developed by Professor William Penuel in the School of Education at the University of Colorado Boulder, in collaboration with partners from the Research + Practice Collaboratory:

  • The Exploratorium
  • University of Washington
  • EDC
  • Inverness Research
  • SRI International

This site has been funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) through Awards # 1238253 and 1237328. Opinions expressed here are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the NSF.