Collaboration, Research, Equity, and Action Together in Education

Miami Collaboration, Research, Equity, and Action Together in Education (CREATEd) is leading a collaborative initiative focused on strengthening how the value of public education is communicated across rural communities in Ohio. Co-facilitated by Miami University faculty members Michael Evans, Ph.D., and Joel Malin, Ph.D., the project brings together a diverse network of stakeholders—including superintendents, school treasurers, county auditors, community-based organizations, and university researchers—to co-develop more effective, evidence-informed communication strategies.

Grounded in a co-design process originally piloted at the University of Delaware, this work emphasizes shared expertise, local context, and cross-sector collaboration. Participants work collectively to identify meaningful indicators of public education’s impact—extending beyond traditional metrics like test scores to include contributions to community vitality, economic development, and civic life.

Through this effort, Miami CREATEd aims to support rural leaders in articulating the broader public value of education, fostering stronger community understanding, and building sustainable support for public schools as essential civic infrastructure.