Latest Our Blog

Two students work on project

Perspectives: Science Scores Are Down. But We Know What Would Improve Them.

The average 8th-grade NAEP science score decreased four points since 2019. These results are a warning, but they can also be a turning point. Emma Banay, Christine Cunningham, and James Ryan call for investment in K-12 inquiry-based science learning that is active, relevant, and engaging, both in and out of school.

Four students sit at table

Perspectives - Missing Key to Student Engagement: Teachers’ Time

Teachers’ time is one of the most valuable resources in education. Yet too often, much of it is dedicated to non-student-facing work. Jessica Fredston-Hermann shares three practices school and district leaders can use to help teachers reclaim time to foster deeper student engagement and improve outcomes.

School bus on street

What We’re Learning From Our Investments in Reducing Chronic Absenteeism

Chronic absenteeism remains one of the most pressing challenges facing schools today, but the field lacks rigorous evidence on the key drivers and potential solutions to reduce it. Here, we share early lessons from five studies focused on generating actionable insights to boost attendance from Pre-K through high school.

Two children reading book

Perspectives: The Science of Reading and Play Go Hand-in-Hand. Schools Must Make It Happen

As districts embrace the science of reading to improve literacy outcomes, there’s a real risk of squeezing out something just as vital to early learning: play. Meghan McCormick and Carly Roberts make the case that play doesn’t compete with explicit reading instruction. Instead, it helps build the very skills kids need to become strong readers in the first place.

Two boys playing outside

Perspectives: Out-of-School Programs’ Role in Reversing Chronic Absenteeism

As states and districts work to combat chronic absenteeism in K-12, out-of-school-time providers are essential partners in boosting student engagement and attendance. Emma Banay, Hedy Chang, and Jodi Grant underscore the proven impact of high-quality programs on reducing school-day absences and urge decision-makers to prioritize them as more than an “expendable extra.”