School Readiness
Create strong foundations for early learning.
News about our grantees, the Foundation, and the field.
News
Overdeck Family Foundation Awards $10.6 Million in Grants in Q3 2025
In Q3 2025, our foundation awarded grants totaling over $10 million. We highlighted just some of the organizations we’re proud to support.
Perspectives
Science Scores Are Down. But We Know What Would Improve Them.
Emma Banay, Christine Cunningham, and James Ryan call for investment in K-12 inquiry-based science learning that is active, relevant, and engaging.
Perspectives
Missing Key to Student Engagement: Teachers’ Time
Jessica Fredston-Hermann shares practices school and district leaders can use to help teachers reclaim time to foster deeper student engagement and improve outcomes.
Research
What We’re Learning From Our Investments in Reducing Chronic Absenteeism
We share early lessons from five studies focused on generating actionable insights to boost attendance from Pre-K through high school.
Perspectives
The Science of Reading and Play Go Hand-in-Hand. Schools Must Make It Happen
Meghan McCormick and Carly Roberts make the case that play doesn’t have to compete with explicit reading instruction.
Perspectives
You’ve Paid for Tutoring. Here’s How to Make Sure It Works.
Pete Lavorini and Meghan McCormick analyze the latest tutoring research, with questions educators should consider to ensure these programs deliver on their promise.
Research
Spotlight On Evidence: Reimagining the Teaching Role by Investing in Strategic Staffing
As schools grapple with increased teacher burnout and stalled student achievement, strategic staffing models may offer a path forward.
News
Overdeck Family Foundation Awards $32.7 Million in Grants in Q2 2025
In Q2 2025, our foundation awarded 52 grants totaling over $32 million. We highlighted just some of the organizations we’re proud to support.
Research
What We’re Learning: New Research From Our Grantees Around Implementation and Dosage
Jessica Siegel highlights the latest grantee findings, which underscore the role of dosage and implementation fidelity in student impact.
Perspectives
Out-of-School Programs’ Role in Reversing Chronic Absenteeism
Emma Banay, Hedy Chang, and Jodi Grant underscore the proven impact of high-quality out-of-school-time programs on reducing school-day absences.
