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Defining the LEF field. Documenting and studying the dynamics and practices that challenge LEFs and those that drive their successes. To help LEFs better understand the contexts in which they operate (education reform, local community, state) and the characteristics that make them effective, PEN has commissioned 5 seminal studies on LEF work and leadership. In addition, PEN annually surveys its member LEFs about their programs and policies that results in a report that offers an examination of the state of the network.

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Supporting LEF research and evaluation capacity. Helping LEFs develop greater capacity to conduct, utilize, and integrate research and evaluation practices and knowledge into their work through the Research Affinity Group.