Marzano Research
Dr. Danette Parsley
Marzano Research is proud to share that Dr. Danette Parsley, CEO, has officially begun her two-year term as President of the International Congress for School Effectiveness and Improvement (ICSEI).
ICSEI is a global network connecting researchers, educators, and policymakers working to strengthen learning systems and create better opportunities for students. With members from more than 80 countries, the organization has spent over three decades building bridges between research and practice to enhance quality and opportunity in education. Through its active networks and annual congress, the community fosters critical engagement, innovation, and collaboration across systems, helping schools learn from one another and improve educational outcomes worldwide.
Passing the torch is outgoing President Dr. Jim Spillane of Northwestern University, who has led ICSEI through a period of significant growth and modernization. Under Spillane’s leadership, the organization strengthened its infrastructure, expanded its digital presence, and navigated the challenges of the pandemic while keeping the global education community connected.
“Jim has been steadfast in his commitment to the organization and an incredible partner over these past three years,” Parsley said. “He’s positioned ICSEI beautifully for this next chapter, and I’m excited to build on the momentum he’s created, especially as we work to bring more voices and perspectives into the conversation.”
Parsley’s priorities as president include:
- Expanding who’s at the table: strengthening participation from regions and education systems that haven’t always been well-represented in global conversations.
- Connecting research to real classrooms: making sure what is learned through scholarship actually shows up in schools and policy decisions.
Her presidency kicks off as ICSEI prepares for the 2026 Congress in Doha, Qatar on January 18–22, which will be the organization’s first event in the Gulf States and its first in the broader Middle East since 1990. Hundreds of education leaders will gather to exchange ideas, share research, and explore what is working in classrooms around the world.
Parsley’s appointment strengthens Marzano Research’s role in shaping global education conversations and will help bring insights from schools worldwide into the organization’s ongoing work to improve student learning. Marzano Research celebrates this milestone and remains committed to global idea-sharing that benefits learners everywhere.
Learn more about ICSEI: icsei.org
Explore the 2026 Congress: icsei.org/congress/icsei-2026/
