Darren Woodruff

Dr. Woodruff has long been involved in education research and policy.  Currently, he serves as chair of the public charter school board in Washington DC and is the director of education at the DeBruce Foundation.  The focus of his work is on the role of schools and education in transforming underserved communities.  Prior to this, Dr. Woodruff worked as a principal research analyst at the American Institutes for Research where he focused on a wide range of educational topics including supports for at-risk youth, special education and closing the achievement gap.  Before joining AIR, Dr. Woodruff was a faculty member at the Yale Child Student Center.  He also serves on the boards of other research institutions including the Walter and Theodora Daniel Education Research Fund at Howard University.


Dr. Woodruff has authored several research papers and book chapters on education including minority issues in special education and effective programs for at-risk students.  He has also taught and counseled students at the elementary through college levels.
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Dr. Woodruff received his Bachelor of Arts from Stanford University, his Masters from Harvard University and his Ph.D. from Howard University’s School of Education where he focused on educational psychology.  He is married and has two children.

AAPF17 Sessions: 

The Role of Authorizers and School Boards in Schools Serving At-Promise Youth

​Hear from school board members and charter school authorizers about how they view their role in supporting the reengagement of at promise youth. This interesting panel includes leaders from coast to coast and will be informed by surveys of frequent AAPF attendees.  Session attendees will have time to ask questions and comment on the interviews and perspectives.  If you’re trying to find out what school boards are thinking about their responsibilities to out of school youth and about reengagement, this is the session for you.