EPRU conducts original research, provides independent analyses of research and policy documents, and facilitates the implementation of innovations in areas such as student performance standards, assessment, and curriculum. EPRU disseminates its reports, analyses, and other documents to policy makers, educators, and the public. The Education Policy Research Unit at Arizona State University is the successor of the Education Policy Project at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

EPRU partners with the Education and the Public Interest Center (EPIC) at the University of Colorado (Boulder) to produce policy briefs and Think Tank Reviews.