OUR VALUES
INTEGRITY
We believe in doing what is right.
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
We are strong believers in improvement science. We believe in responding to needs as they come.
ACCOUNTABILITY
We are accountable for delivering on our commitments.
QUALITY
We provide outstanding products and services.
HOWARD RESEARCH AND CONSULTING GROUP
We create meaningful and relatable solutions from complex problems to tell stories using data. Our work can be counted upon to be both rigorous and accessible to a wide range of stakeholders. We are known for being data driven in our decision making, and using both qualitative and quantitative data, as necessary, for a more nuanced and thorough result. We provide a thoughtful and informed perspective on equitable methods for data collection, data interpretation, and data use.
Managing Partner
Dr. Aminah Perkins is a mission-driven researcher with extensive expertise in assessment development, psychometrics, and survey design. Specializing in solving complex analytical problems, she transforms raw data into actionable insights that inform decision-making. With a strong background as a cross-disciplinary consultant, Dr. Perkins collaborates with organizations across education, talent management, and healthcare to optimize assessments and evaluate accountability systems.
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Her work is centered around empowering stakeholders to leverage data for innovation and positive outcomes. Passionate about equitable methods for data collection and interpretation, Dr. Perkins provides expert leadership in enhancing assessment strategies to support the growth of organizations.
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Dr. Perkins holds a Ph.D. in Educational Studies and Measurement from Emory University, an M.A. in Educational Psychology from the University of Georgia, and a B.S. in Mathematics from Spelman College. Her experience spans school districts, higher education, and government agencies, where she continues to drive meaningful change through data-driven solutions.
Executive Operations and Strategy Consultant
Dr. James Appleton is an accomplished leader in education research, policy, and evaluation. With a passion for leveraging data-driven insights to enhance educational outcomes, for 20 years he has worked with a educational technology companies and numerous school districts.
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Dr. Appleton has played a pivotal role in developing and implementing system-wide policies on operational and academic accountability. He has led the creation of key performance metrics, such as the Results-Based Evaluation System (RBES) and Weighted School Assessments, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
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Dr. Appleton is also an innovator in student engagement research, having co-developed the Student Engagement Instrument (SEI), a widely used tool that has impacted education systems in the U.S. and internationally. His contributions extend to executive consulting, university-level teaching, and authoring numerous peer-reviewed publications on student engagement, school accountability, and educational equity. Driven by a pragmatic yet idealistic approach, Dr. Appleton continuously works to bridge research and practice, ensuring that education systems are evidence-based, student-focused, and outcome-driven.