K-12 Education Policy

10 Policy Recommendations To Address Cellphone Use in Schools

As school leaders raise concerns about student cellphone use in schools, policymakers can look to domestic and international examples to create student-centered policies.

Putting Students Before Politics: A Conversation on the Future of America’s Education System With Rahm Emanuel

Please join the Center for American Progress for a conversation with Ambassador Rahm Emanuel as part of CAP’s “What’s Next: Conversations on the Path Forward” series.

Fact Sheet: How To Increase the Retention of Early Career Teachers

A new CAP study of early career teachers explores their preparation and induction experiences and factors that affected their attrition in the field.

How To Increase the Retention of Early Career Teachers

A 2025 CAP survey of early career teachers sheds light on the experiences and factors that assisted or hindered their persistence in the field.

Moving Federal Education Programs Will Create More Bureaucracy, Not Less

The Trump administration is unlawfully using interagency agreements to continue its piecemeal dismantling of the Department of Education.

The Trump Administration’s Latest Staffing Cuts at the Department of Education Threaten Children’s Success Across the Country

Cuts to staff at the Department of Education threaten the federal government’s long-term ability to ensure equal access to education for all, including children with disabilities.

How Changes to Fourth-Grade Reading Standards and Research-Backed Approaches Can Improve Reading Achievement

Four states—Alabama, Louisiana, Massachusetts, and Mississippi—have shown that adopting more rigorous literacy standards and scientific approaches to reading instruction can help reverse the decline in reading scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Career and Technical Education in Pennsylvania

The Center for American Progress, in collaboration with the American Federation of Teachers, hosted an event to highlight career and technical education programs in the Philadelphia region and discuss policy opportunities to expand these programs elsewhere.

Public Education Under Threat: 4 Trump Administration Actions To Watch in the 2025-26 School Year

As public K-12 schools across the country face increasing threats from federal policies and actions, state and local leaders should prepare to respond.

Back to School, New Uncertainties: How Cuts to Public Education Threaten Student Success

Join CAP for a discussion on how state and local leaders can mitigate the effects of federal cuts to public school to ensure equal access to a quality education for all students.

Reaching a Boiling Point: State and Local Efforts To Protect Children From Extreme Heat

Join CAP for a discussion on how to protect the United States' youngest learners from extreme heat in the face of efforts to roll back climate progress.

Class of 2025 Forum: Student Perspectives on Public Education’s Value and Impact

Please join the Center for American Progress for an authentic conversation with students from the class of 2025.

Preparing Rural Students for College and Beyond by Improving Access to Coursework

To better prepare rural students for postsecondary opportunities, federal and state policymakers must increase rural access to high-quality, rigorous coursework.

Last School Year Was the Hottest on Record. How Do We Protect Students?

In an op-ed published by The 74, Paige Shoemaker DeMio argues that state policymakers and advocates need to step up to protect students from the deadly effects of extreme heat.

Who Pays for Choice? The Threat Privatization Poses to Public Education

Join CAP and NCLD for a virtual event about the growing trend of privatizing public education and unpack the real costs of school choice, revealing how it affects students, weakens local schools, and strains communities.

How the School Choice Agenda Harms Rural Students

As proponents of private school voucher programs continue to push for expansion, it is important to highlight the harms these programs can have on rural communities.

The Sudden Loss of Federal COVID-19 Relief Funds Will Hinder K-12 Academic Progress

The recent rescission of COVID-19 relief funding for K-12 schools will harm districts and limit their ability to address learning loss and student achievement.

Introducing a Framework for Private School Voucher Accountability

As privatization efforts to redirect funding from public K-12 schools to private institutions continue to expand, an accountability framework for private voucher programs must be implemented to ensure positive student outcomes and thorough oversight of taxpayer dollars.

Department of Education Staff Cuts Will Harm America’s Children and Schools

The recent decision to slash the U.S. Department of Education’s workforce nearly in half will leave it unable to carry out its responsibilities and statutory requirements under the law.

Frequently Asked Questions About the U.S. Department of Education

The U.S. Department of Education provides vital resources to schools, students, and families across the country to ensure everyone has access to a high-quality education.

The Importance of Holding Microschools Accountable

As school choice expands and new models such as microschools emerge, policymakers and advocates must ensure that these options adhere to accountability standards and do not divert critical resources from a universally accessible, high-quality public education system.

Ensuring Digital Accessibility in K-12 Schools in a Technology-Driven Era

As technology advances and becomes more integral to K-12 education, school districts and policymakers must prioritize digital accessibility to enhance the educational experiences of students with disabilities and promote equity for all learners.

A Progressive Vision for Education in the 21st Century

This report encompasses key recommendations for strengthening the American education system across early childhood education, K-12 education, higher education, and workforce development.

Workforce Development State Strategies: A 50-State Scan of Best Practices From Recent Action

States can strengthen their workforces through fostering registered apprenticeships, establishing career pathways, providing supportive services, addressing demand in critical industries, and other measures.

Lessons From K-12 Education Relief Aid To Improve Federally Funded Programs

As COVID-19-era relief funding from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund winds down, federal policymakers should look toward expanding and improving existing base programs for K-12 public education to sustain vital investments.

Using Learning Science To Analyze the Risks and Benefits of AI in K-12 Education

Before adopting AI tools, it is important that schools think critically about whether these tools will further divorce students from how their brains are primed to learn.

Hear From a Child Care Director: How Extreme Heat Affects Young Children

Extreme heat places a strain on child care program facilities and poses risks to children’s health, learning, and development.

Fact Sheet: Local School Board Elections Matter

Local school boards help shape their communities, yet few people show up to their elections.

5 Reasons To Pay Attention to Local School Board Elections

As voters prepare for election season, they should not discount the importance of their local school boards.

Hear From a Teacher: How Extreme Heat Affects Student Learning

In rural and low-income communities, inadequate school infrastructure fails to protect students from extreme heat, negatively affecting student attendance, engagement, and achievement.

Investing in GEAR UP To Advance College and Career Readiness: Pathways to Success

Access to higher education remains strongly divided by race and socioeconomic status; programs such as GEAR UP that increase college readiness and enrollment for underrepresented groups are more important than ever.

How Joy and Belonging Can Help Underrepresented Students Succeed in STEM

Fostering joy and belonging in STEM has the potential to open doors for underrepresented students in both STEM education and the STEM workforce.

States want to reduce qualifications for teachers. That’s a huge mistake.

Paige Shoemaker DeMio writes in MSNBC about why teachers should be treated as trained professionals.

How States and Districts Can Close the Digital Divide To Increase College and Career Readiness

To ensure that all students are college and career ready, policymakers and educators must focus their attention on closing the digital divide.

Project 2025’s Elimination of Title I Funding Would Hurt Students and Decimate Teaching Positions in Local Schools

Project 2025 would decimate more than 180,000 teacher positions and negatively affect the academic outcomes of 2.8 million vulnerable students across the country.

Executive Summary: Protecting Children From Extreme Heat Is Critical for Their Health, Learning, and Development

This fact sheet summarizes a recent Center of American Progress report highlighting the need for policymakers to take steps to develop heat standards for children and support infrastructure improvements to ensure schools, child care centers, and communities are safe and healthy places for children.

Protecting Children From Extreme Heat Is Critical for Their Health, Learning, and Development

As climate change intensifies extreme heat around the globe, policymakers must take steps to develop heat standards for children and support infrastructure improvements to ensure schools, child care centers, and communities are safe and healthy places for children.

In Pursuit of Justice: Fulfilling the Promise of Brown v. Board of Education

If we hope to produce an active and diverse citizenry committed to advancing democratic principles, our students must be able to learn with and from peers of different races, ethnicities, languages, faiths, and economic status.

Summit on Education: Reset. Reframe. Reform.

2024 Summit on Education: Reset. Reframe. Reform.

Investing in School Libraries and Librarians To Improve Literacy Outcomes

Libraries and librarians not only spark a love of learning; they are crucial to reversing low reading assessment scores across the country.

K-12 Work-Based Learning Opportunities: A 50-State Scan of 2023 Legislative Action

Policymakers must work alongside educators and industry leaders to develop high-quality, equitable work-based learning models that bring these opportunities to more students.

Fact Sheet: Scaling Up High-Dosage Tutoring Is Crucial to Students’ Success

This fact sheet outlines the state of learning loss in the United States and the necessity of implementing high-dosage tutoring programs to accelerate learning and ensure student success.

Scaling Up High-Dosage Tutoring Is Crucial to Students’ Academic Success

Policymakers must take action to support states and districts in implementing high-dosage tutoring to ensure opportunities for student success.

Fact Sheet: 3 Trends in K-12 Assessments Across the Country

Reforms of state assessment systems could measure student learning more accurately and effectively, providing educators the information they need to close achievement gaps.

House Republican Budget Threatens Public Education and Opportunity for Young People

House Republican leadership’s proposed funding bill would vastly cut support for economically disadvantaged students and eliminate important programs in the K-12 education, youth workforce development, and higher education spheres.

5 Ways Government Can Reimagine K-12 School Design in the Wake of COVID-19

State and federal governments must empower schools to redesign teaching and learning for the generations to come.

2023 CAP IDEAS Conference

Join the Center for American Progress as we celebrate 20 years of innovative policy solutions and look boldly forward to a progressive future.

Hawkins Centers of Excellence at Minority-Serving Institutions Are Boosting Teacher Diversity

Congress must maintain funding for a long-overlooked program that is helping to recruit and support more teachers of color.

5 Ways State Governments Can Support Student Mental Health

As the country faces a student mental health crisis, state policymakers must focus on instituting policies that support schools in best serving their students’ needs.

Challenges and Opportunities of Providing Free School Meals for All

The Center for American Progress’ community conversations with a Colorado school district illustrate how offering no-cost school meals is critical for students’ success and opportunities.

K-12 Education Is Vital to Success of Biden Administration’s Investment Agenda

K-12 education needs a seat at the table when implementing new laws to boost infrastructure, green energy, and technology.

Community-Based Strategies To Reduce Gun Violence in Schools

In addition to efforts from state and federal lawmakers, schools and communities have a critical role to play in addressing school gun violence through prevention and intervention approaches.

5 States Addressing Child Hunger and Food Insecurity With Free School Meals for All

State governments are taking the lead in implementing no-cost school meal programs to eliminate administrative and financial burdens for students, families, and school staff.

How To Improve Employment Outcomes for Young Adults Leaving Incarceration

Young adults reentering communities after incarceration face many barriers to finding stable work, but forward-thinking policies can lead to better employment outcomes and safer communities.

How To Make Schools Safer Without Additional Physical Security Measures

The newly enacted Bipartisan Safer Communities Act can help schools and districts create safer learning environments without resorting to implementing measures that harden schools.

Book Banning, Curriculum Restrictions, and the Politicization of U.S. Schools

State and local officials’ efforts to undermine public education by playing politics with school curricula run against the interest of most American children and families.

Federal Investments in K-12 Infrastructure Would Benefit Students Across the Country

Equitable, dedicated long-term funding for school infrastructure is needed to ensure all school buildings are safe and conducive to student learning.

Teacher Preparation Shortcuts Won’t Solve the Teacher Shortage

Recently passed legislation that reduces training requirements for teachers will harm student learning, weaken the profession, and ignore the systemic issues that have long contributed to teacher shortages.

School Air Filtration and Ventilation Strategies To Improve Health, Education, Equity, and Environmental Outcomes

Upgrading school ventilation and air filtration is a critical part of a multilayered strategy to improve and protect health, education, the environment, and equity.

Why K-12 Teachers and Their Students Need Investments in Child Care

To meet the caregiving needs of the K-12 educator workforce and the developmental needs of the youngest students, the United States needs sustained, significant federal investments in the accessibility and affordability of high-quality child care.

The Alternative Teacher Certification Sector Outside Higher Education

Enrollment continues to grow in alternative teacher certification programs operated outside of colleges, but the number of students completing these programs is declining.

Prioritizing Racial Equity in Student Mental Health Spending

States and school districts have rightly prioritized student mental health as they start to spend pandemic recovery dollars, but they must do more to ensure that funding also promotes racial equity.

Proposed Priorities for the School Pulse Panel Data Collection

In these comments, the Alliance for Excellent Education and partners provide recommendations to the School Pulse Panel Data Collection to advance shared educational equity priorities through federal, state, and local policy and advocacy.

Proposed Changes to the Mandatory Civil Rights Data Collection

In these comments, the Center for American Progress suggests revisions to the Civil Rights Data Collection to get the data necessary to address equity gaps in education.

Educator’s View: Assessing Students Properly Requires More Than One Test. And Some of Them May Not Be What You Think

Jamil Modaffari discusses how states should be rethinking their approach to standardized testing in K-12 schools.

These 6 Priorities Show the Need for a Robust Domestic Discretionary Budget

Funding for government agencies expires on March 11; rather than pass another stopgap bill, Congress must pass full-year appropriations that adequately support the nation’s priorities and needs.

Q&A With CAP’s New Senior Vice President for Education, Jesse O’Connell

Jesse O'Connell, the new senior vice president for Education at the Center for American Progress, talks about the opportunities this moment offers to improve early childhood, K-12, and higher education in the United States.

Education Policies Need To Address the Unique Needs of Asian American and Pacific Islander Communities

The Center for American Progress is conducting new research that uplifts the lived experiences in public education of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. This research will advance CAP’s ongoing work to apply an explicit racial equity lens to K-12 education policymaking.

Co-Sponsoring Legislation To Advance Safe, Healthy, and Inclusive School Climates

Led by the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, this letter urges members of Congress to co-sponsor the Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act, the Keeping All Students Safe Act, the Protecting our Students in Schools Act, the Safe Schools Improvement Act, and the Ending PUSHOUT Act.

Engaging the Community in School Funding Decisions

Community members highlight the importance of community involvement in school spending decisions and ways for schools to increase this engagement.

Retaining and Fostering Diverse Schools Program in the FY 2022 Budget

Led by the National Coalition on School Diversity, this letter advocates for the inclusion of the Fostering Diverse Schools program in the fiscal year 22 budget.

Supporting the Strength in Diversity Act (H.R. 729)

Led by the National Coalition on School Diversity, this letter expresses support for the Strength in Diversity Act.

Understanding the Opportunities and Challenges of Charter Management Contracts for Public Schools

A review of the common failures of contracts between management companies and the charter schools they oversee suggests some changes could help protect both students and taxpayer money.

How To Increase Support for Youth Leaving Juvenile Detention Facilities

Students returning home from juvenile detention centers deserve support to reintegrate into their communities, especially during the pandemic.

How Educators, Students, and Families Would Spend Additional K-12 Education Funding

Educators, students, and family members discuss the important investments they would make to improve the educational experience if they had additional education funding.

How the Underfunding of K-12 Public Schools Impacts Students, Educators, and Families

Students, educators, and family members describe how the underfunding of K-12 public schools has negatively impacted their experiences and opportunities.

Supporting the Safe Schools Improvement Act (H.R. 4402/S. 2410)

Led by GLSEN, this letter expresses support for the Safe Schools Improvement Act.

Budget Reconciliation Must Support a Quality Education for All Students

Ensuring a quality education for America’s students during the COVID-19 pandemic will require a range of federal and state supports, as well as efforts to build a robust economy that works for everyone.

Future of Testing in Education: Effective and Equitable Assessment Systems

This analysis of testing in schools shows what the current debate gets wrong, and how educators and policymakers can create a future where assessments are a more effective part of the teaching and learning system.

Future of Testing in Education: Artificial Intelligence

Technology and artificial intelligence can vastly improve the types of assessments teachers use to guide students in their learning.

Future of Testing in Education: The Way Forward for State Standardized Tests

There are valid criticisms about the current structure of state standardized testing in schools; the solution is not to get rid of these assessments but rather to design them differently.

Helping Students Avoid the “Engagement Cliff” through High School Redesign

Author Abby Quirk explains how high school redesign efforts can improve student engagement, ensure equitable access to future career opportunities, and strengthen local industries.

Masks or Mania: Political Will Is Required to Protect Children From COVID-19

Khalilah M. Harris writes about several ways the Biden administration and Congress can ensure students are able to return to and stay in school safely this year.

When Black men can’t afford to teach, our children pay the price

Bayliss Fiddiman and Toi Sin Arvidsson write about the importance of diversifying the United States' teacher workforce.

Fact Sheet: Targeted Grants for Educational Excellence Program

This fact sheet outlines the details of a proposed grant program that would increase recruitment and retention of highly qualified educators in schools with the highest teacher turnover.

How To Ensure Equitable Access to Great Teaching

The Center for American Progress proposes a new grant program to address the working conditions that contribute to job dissatisfaction and high turnover among the nation’s K-12 teachers in order to increase equal access to highly qualified teachers.

The Secretary’s Proposed Priorities for Discretionary Grants Programs

In these comments, the Center for American Progress provides support for the secretary’s six proposed priorities and offers some additional recommendations to further strengthen them.

How Students Can Help Build Better Education Policy

The Education Department has an opportunity to reimagine the policymaking process by committing to incorporating student voice.

Social and Emotional Supports for Educators During and After the Pandemic

As K-12 districts and schools plan for recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential that providing social and emotional supports for educators is a key part of the conversation.

Recommending the Reestablishment of Five White House Initiatives

In this letter, Khalilah Harris recommends that the Biden administration reestablish five White House initiatives housed in the Department of Education.

Remote Learning and School Reopenings: What Worked and What Didn’t

As the United States recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic and schools return to in-person learning in the fall, it is key that educators learn from the successes of the past year and avoid making the same mistakes.

Investing in Educators Through the American Families Plan

Led by Teach Plus, this letter to Congress asks that $9 billion in funding be included in the American Families Plan to invest in the teaching workforce.

Closing Advanced Coursework Equity Gaps for All Students

Even in high schools with similar levels of access to advanced coursework, Black, Latinx, and Indigenous students are less likely to be enrolled in advanced courses—and even when they are enrolled, they experience less success in these courses than their peers.

The Funnel To Passing AP Exams

This interactive uses data from the U.S. Department of Education to estimate how many students, overall and disaggregated, enroll in AP courses, take AP tests, and pass AP tests.

Public Hearing on Title IX

Led by GLSEN and six other co-leaders, these comments were submitted in response to the Department of Education’s public hearing on Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

Proposed Priorities for Grant Programs Under the Effective Educator Development Division

In these comments, the Center for American Progress provides some suggestions for strengthening two proposed department priorities concerning grants programs under the Effective Educator Development Division.

Proposed Priorities for the American History and Civics Education Programs

Led by GLSEN, these comments support the Department of Education’s proposed priorities regarding the American History and Civics Education programs.

The Compound Benefits of Greening School Infrastructure

With long-term federal infrastructure investment, schools can deliver critical health and learning benefits to students while supporting the transition to a 100 percent clean energy future.

The Education Data That Matter Most to Parents and School Stakeholders

The current K-12 accountability system provides important information for education leaders, but local school communities need access to other timely and useful data to help improve the quality of education each child receives.

Joint Comments for the Department of Education Regarding Unfinished Learning, Accelerated Learning, and Tutoring

The Center for American Progress joined some of its partners to recommend ways that the Department of Education can support state and local efforts to spend learning-related federal relief funds.

Preparing Students of Color for the Future Workforce

Community members in Indiana and New Mexico provide context on how Black, Latinx, and Indigenous students should be fully prepared for the future workforce.

Recommending the Establishment of an Interagency Working Group on the Teaching Profession

Led by the Center for American Progress, this letter requests that the Biden administration establish an interagency working group focused on modernizing, diversifying, and elevating the teaching profession.

People over politics: Our best chance to return students to learning

Khalilah M. Harris explains how best to continue learning for students regardless of location.

Ending K-12 Education Funding Inequity: Public Education Opportunity Grants

A Public Education Opportunity Grants program will make K-12 education more equitable at the local, state, and federal levels.

Funding the Augustus F. Hawkins Centers of Excellence Grant Program

Led by the Center for American Progress, these letters recommend to the Congressional Black Caucus, Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and Progressive Caucus that $40 million in funding for the Augustus F. Hawkins Centers of Excellence grant program be included in the fiscal year 2022 budget.

Funding the Augustus F. Hawkins Centers of Excellence Grant Program

Led by the Center for American Progress, this letter recommends that the Biden administration’s fiscal year 2022 budget include $40 million for the Augustus F. Hawkins Centers of Excellence grant program.

5 Ways To Include Student Voice in Education Policymaking

Student voice must be included at every level of education policymaking to ensure that all students’ needs are being served during and after COVID-19 and that every student has access to a quality education.

Supporting the Classrooms Reflecting Communities Act (S. 2887)

Led by the Center for American Progress, this letter expresses support for the Classrooms Reflecting Communities Act.

Proposed Priorities Regarding the Quality Charter Schools Program’s National Dissemination Grants

In these comments, Neil Campbell provides some recommendations for how to strengthen the proposed priorities to address pressing needs in the charter school sector.

Good Jobs for All: How Federal Laws Can Create Pathways From Education and Training to Good Jobs

Federal legislation must focus on job quality to reduce gaps in education and lead to good jobs.

Co-Sponsoring a Resolution in Support of No Name-Calling Week

Led by GLSEN, this letter urges members of Congress to co-sponsor a new proposed resolution affirming the goals and ideals of No Name-Calling Week.

Co-Sponsoring a Resolution in Support of No Name-Calling Week

Led by GLSEN, this letter urges members of Congress to co-sponsor a new proposed resolution affirming the goals and ideals of No Name-Calling Week.

Supporting a Youth Partnership With the Biden-Harris Administration’s Department of Education

The Center for American Progress signed a letter written by Student Voice to the incoming Biden administration regarding greater partnership with youth on education policymaking.

Supporting the Expansion of Next Generation Community Schools

Scott Sargrad joins his fellow members of the Task Force on Next Generation Community Schools to write a letter to the incoming Biden-Harris administration about supporting community schools.

The Biden Administration Must Commit in the First 100 Days to Building Education Policies With Community, Not for It

Author Khalilah M. Harris urges the Biden administration to prioritize education equity within its first 100 days in office.

An Overview of the Teacher Alternative Certification Sector Outside of Higher Education

A growing number of students are enrolling in alternative certification programs for teachers run by operators outside colleges.

Co-Sponsoring the Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act (S. 4360/H.R. 7848)

Led by the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, this letter urges members of Congress to co-sponsor the Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act.

Advancing Educational Equity Through the Biden-Harris Administration

Led by the Education Trust and EducationCounsel, this memo outlines critical policy actions that the Biden-Harris administration should take during its first term to advance educational equity.

Co-Sponsoring the Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act (S. 4360/H.R. 7848)

Led by the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, this letter urges members of Congress to co-sponsor the Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act.

Fact Sheet: Public Education Opportunity Grants

This fact sheet outlines the main goals and provisions of the proposed Public Education Opportunity Grants program.

Maintaining State Accountability Systems for 2021

This letter, led by the Alliance for Excellent Education, responds to new guidance from the Department of Education regarding assessments, data reporting, and school accountability in 2021.

A First 100 Days Agenda for K-12 Education

The next presidential administration must take immediate, bold action to provide a quality education for every child.

A Roadmap for Reparations in Education

Khalilah Harris provides a roadmap for civic and political leaders to begin addressing the legacy of institutional racism in education in the United States.

Early High School STEM Perceptions Associated With Postsecondary Outcomes

Public Education Opportunity Grants

The Center for American Progress is proposing a new federal grant program to dramatically increase the federal investment in K-12 education and make education funding more equitable at the federal, state, and local levels.

Vouchers Over Virus: How the Department of Education Prioritized Private School Vouchers Over Responding to COVID-19

Rather than leveraging the coronavirus to advance private school vouchers, schools need immediate fiscal stabilization and long-term efforts to improve public school choice.

Preparing American Students for the Workforce of the Future

CAP is embarking on a research effort that focuses on preparing students for civic life and the workforce of the future.

Proposed Evaluation Method for IADA State Data

In these comments, Laura Jimenez offers some revisions to the Department of Education’s proposed plan for collecting information about the IADA.

Student Assessment During COVID-19

A comprehensive approach to testing and gathering critical student data next year can support all students.

How To Center Equity in Advanced Coursework Testing During COVID-19

Preparation needs to begin now to ensure that equitable access for all high school students and transparency are at the forefront of plans for advanced coursework in 2021.

Including a Maintenance of Equity Requirement in Any New COVID-19 Relief Package

Led by the Education Trust, this letter urges Congress to include a maintenance of equity requirement in any federal relief package.

Better Learning Outcomes Can Help Kick-Start the Economy

A new study finds that investing in education can increase worker salaries and gross domestic product.

The Black-White Wealth Gap Will Widen Educational Disparities During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Less wealth makes it more difficult for African American parents to get reliable access to the internet and devices for remote learning.

The Opportunity and Counseling Corps: Helping K-12 Students and Young Adults Recover From the Coronavirus Crisis

Investing in an Opportunity and Counseling Corps would provide tutoring, counseling, and other supports to students as well as employment and skill development for young adults to help them recover from the effects of the coronavirus.

Calling for Additional Federal Stimulus Funding for Education in Response to COVID-19

This letter, led by the Center for American Progress, is a follow-up to a May 2020 letter advocating for at least $250 billion in additional federal stimulus funding for public education.

Creating Strong Building Blocks for Every Student

This report details the components needed to effectively prepare middle school students for rigorous high school pathways that will lead to success in college and careers.

Urging the Department of Education To Refrain From Issuing Waivers to Annual Assessments

Led by the Data Quality Campaign, this letter urges the Department of Education not to issue states waivers from the requirement for administering statewide assessments for the 2020-2021 school year.

Mental Health Support for Students of Color During and After the Coronavirus Pandemic

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, schools need additional mental health funding and support that is implemented with a racial equity lens.

Why K-12 Education Needs More Federal Stimulus Funding

In the wake of the coronavirus crisis, a major federal investment in K-12 public education is urgently needed.

3 Principles for Reopening Schools Safely During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Science, not politics, should drive the decision to physically reopen schools.

4 Actions Colleges Can Take To Address Police Brutality

Postsecondary institutions must take immediate action to help address the issue of police brutality.

Reopening schools will require a big boost in federal funds

Bayliss Fiddiman argues that in order to prepare teachers and students for school in the fall, be it virtually or in person, Congress needs to allocate more funding for education.

Fighting Systemic Racism in K-12 Education: Helping Allies Move From the Keyboard to the School Board

The surge of new allies in the Black Lives Matter movement for racial justice presents a welcome opportunity to implement systemic changes in the U.S. K-12 education system—and allies should start by following the lead of communities that are Black, Indigenous, and people of color.

A call on Congress to invest more in education R&D

Neil Campbell and Abby Quirk argue that robust research and development infrastructure is necessary in efforts to rebuild the U.S. K-12 education system following the coronavirus pandemic.

Creating Civil Rights Principles for Safe, Healthy, and Inclusive School Climates

Led by the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, this document details eight civil rights principles that should be incorporated into any school climate legislation.

Improving Literacy in the United States: Recommendations for Increasing Reading Success

A modern approach to improving literacy rates in the United States includes applying an explicit equity lens and increasing investment to elevate student outcomes.

How Partisan Gerrymandering Hurts Kids

As state leaders try to expand programs that would provide child care, education, and other support for families with children, the politics of gerrymandering stand in their way.

In the Wake of the Coronavirus, We Must Design and Build the Schools We Need—Not Simply Reopen Schools As They Were

The global standing of U.S. public education has been in decline for years; the coronavirus pandemic offers an opportunity to design and build a system that supports all students.

Building a Strong Middle Class Through Career Pathways Programs

The United States can raise academic outcomes, lower youth unemployment, and strengthen its economy by following the leads of Germany, Singapore, and Switzerland in training their youth for in-demand jobs.

Calling for Additional Federal Stimulus Funding for Education in Response to COVID-19

Led by the Center for American Progress, this letter urges Congress to provide additional federal stimulus funding for education and other programs to support students, educators, and families.

Ensuring Equitable Pathways for the Class of 2020 Amid the Coronavirus

Students, parents, schools, and districts need more explicit guidance on how to deal with high school to postsecondary pathway requirements during and in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Congress Needs To Ensure Educational Equity in the Wake of the Coronavirus Pandemic

The federal government must take action in order to address the immediate-, medium-, and long-term fallout from the coronavirus crisis on pre-K, K-12 and higher education.

The Senate Stimulus Proposal in Response to Coronavirus Fails to Meet the Moment

The Senate’s coronavirus stimulus bill doesn’t do nearly enough to help families and small businesses.

How K-12 Schools Should Prepare for Coronavirus

The coronavirus outbreak is forcing school leaders to make difficult decisions; equity should be the priority in plans to support students and continue educational activities if schools need to close.

Funding the Augustus F. Hawkins Centers of Excellence Grant Program

Led by the Center for American Progress, this letter expresses support for appropriating $40 million for the August F. Hawkins Centers of Excellence grant program.

Proposed Department Study of the Uses of Federal Education Funds

Led by the Center for American Progress, these comments respond to a proposed Department of Education study on the use of federal education funds.

One Size Does Not Fit All

A new Center for American Progress survey and analysis illustrate the importance of schools communicating different types of information to parents through a variety of communication systems in order to strengthen school-home partnerships and engagement.

Funding the August F. Hawkins Centers of Excellence Grant Program

Led by the Center for American Progress, this letter expresses support for appropriating $40 million for the August F. Hawkins Centers of Excellence grant program.

Trump’s K-12 Education Budget

The Trump administration’s K-12 education budget eliminates important programs and cuts billions from public schools.

Puerto Rico’s Earthquakes Have Put Thousands of Schoolchildren at Risk

Recent efforts to address the safety of Puerto Rico’s school buildings demonstrate an egregious lack of concern for the U.S. territory’s public school students.

How Teacher Preparation Programs Can Help All Teachers Better Serve Students With Disabilities

General education teachers must be explicitly taught how to work with all students, including those with disabilities.

Black and Latinx Students Are Getting Less Bang for Their Bachelor’s Degrees

Black and Latinx students who earn bachelor’s degrees take longer to graduate, earn more debt, and face more employment challenges than white peers.

Proposed Changes to the TEACH Grant Program

Led by the Learning Policy Institute, these comments support some of the Department of Education’s proposed changes to the management of the TEACH Grant Program.

Strengthening Democracy With a Modern Civics Education

Local, state, and national policymakers need to support and cultivate a robust high school civics education.

What To Make of Declining Enrollment in Teacher Preparation Programs

Enrollment in teacher preparation programs has seen declines, but identifying the problem is only the beginning.

Proposed Changes to the Civil Rights Data Collection

In these comments, the Center for American Progress expresses concerns about some items that the Department of Education proposed should be eliminated from the Civil Rights Data Collection.

Supporting the Classrooms Reflecting Communities Act (S. 2887)

The Center for American Progress endorses the Classrooms Reflecting Communities Act.

Lessons Learned From the Investing in Innovation Program

The i3 program’s support for the evaluation and growth of promising innovations should be part of increased investments in educational research and development.

Modernizing the Federal Charter Schools Program

As the Charter Schools Program enters its second quarter-century, federal policymakers should broaden the program’s focus to embrace smart growth policies, help existing charters improve, and address challenges in the charter sector.

Successful Implementation of High-Quality Instructional Materials

Numerous studies underscore the effects of high-quality curricula on student achievement, but to achieve the intended goal of adopting such curricula, careful attention must be paid to the implementation process.

Math Pathways

Schools, districts, and states should coordinate and prioritize investment in high-quality math pathways for students.

10 K-12 Education Policy Questions Every Presidential Candidate Should Answer

Presidential candidates should have comprehensive plans to give every student access to an excellent education.

Advancing Racial Equity in Career and Technical Education Enrollment

By placing a focus on racial equity, CTE programs can help narrow opportunity gaps.

Proposed Prioritization of Discretionary Grant Programs Aligned to the Opportunity Zones Initiative

In these comments, Scott Sargrad expresses opposition to the proposed prioritization of discretionary grant programs aligned to the Opportunity Zone incentive program.

Elevating Student Voice in Education

This report outlines strategies to increase authentic student voice in education at the school, district, and state levels.

How Delaware Aims To Improve College Readiness

Every state serious about improving outcomes for high school and college students should replicate the lessons learned from Delaware’s College Success Report.

Student Mobility, Backfill, and Charter Schools

Switching schools can have negative effects for students and their new schools; districts and charter schools should therefore have equitable approaches to accepting new students and backfilling open seats.

Secretary DeVos Is Failing to Protect the Civil Rights of LGBTQ Students

Data from the Department of Education show that civil rights enforcement for LGBTQ students has been drastically scaled back since the start of the Trump administration.

Why Education Research Needs More Development

Education research needs to respond to the current needs of teachers and students.

Proposed Revisions to Data Collection Under Title II of the Higher Education Opportunity Act

In these comments, the Center for American Progress expresses support for some proposed revisions to Title II data collection.

Student Debt: An Overlooked Barrier to Increasing Teacher Diversity

Black and Latinx students’ disparate experiences with student loan debt compared with their white counterparts may affect their choice to enter or stay in the teaching profession.

A Quality Education for Every Child

The time is now for policymakers to take a bold and comprehensive approach to K-12 education.

How Denver Public Schools Are Rethinking High School

Abby Quirk writes about Denver Public Schools' effort to build connections between high school students and the workforce.

3 Ways DeVos Has Put Students At Risk by Deregulating Education

The public and Congress need to pay more attention to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos’ deregulatory strategy for education.

Momentum Is Building to Modernize Sex Education

Over the past year, eight states have updated their sex education standards, and seven more states have advanced legislation to do so as well.

The Rigor of a High School Diploma Is at Risk

States must take legislative action in order to ensure that the coursework to receive a high school diploma is the same for college admissions eligibility.

Supporting S.B. 441 on Increasing Accountability for Virtual Charter Schools

Scott Sargrad, former vice president of K-12 Education Policy at CAP, testified before the Nevada legislature in support of S.B. 441.

The Danger Private School Voucher Programs Pose to Civil Rights

Through voucher programs, private schools receive public funding even as they fail to protect the most vulnerable students from discrimination.

Strikes Driving Change in States With Lowest-Paid Teachers

In states with the lowest teacher pay, teacher protests have been common, as has legislative action to increase salaries.

Increasing Transparency and Accountability for Virtual Charter Schools

Neil Campbell, former director of innovation for K-12 Education Policy at CAP, testified before the Nevada Legislature in support of S.B. 441.

Protecting Dreamers and TPS Holders: An Urgent Situation for America’s Classrooms

Educators share how the uncertainty surrounding Dreamers and long-time residents, including Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, is affecting their students.

Trump’s Education Budget Ignores Needs of Students and Schools

The FY 2020 Department of Education budget proposal would make drastic and harmful cuts.

New Innovation Fund Seeks Affordable Ways to Test for & Eliminate Toxic Lead in and Around Our Nation’s Schools

Ulrich Boser and Read Holman emphasize the need to invest in new technologies that will help reduce lead exposure in U.S. schools.

Homework and Higher Standards

CAP analysis found that homework is generally aligned to Common Core State Standards, but additional policy changes would make it more valuable.

The Case for Federal Funding for School Infrastructure

America’s crumbling and outdated public school buildings desperately need federal government support.

Get the Lead Out

A new initiative will bring 21st-century approaches to environmental monitoring and public health.

11 Ways New Governors Can Lead on Education Through Executive Actions

From teacher pay to school infrastructure to workforce readiness, new governors should move quickly to advance key education priorities in their states.

Smart Investments for Safer Schools

To ensure safe and healthy learning environments, policymakers and schools must invest in evidence-based solutions—not reactionary spending that only makes the public feel safer.

Proposed Rule on Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds

In these comments, the Center for American Progress expresses its opposition to the proposed Department of Homeland Security rulemaking to the definition of a public charge.

The Future Is Bright for Community Schools

Through organizing, lifting up community voices, improving curricula, and investing in effective leadership, community schools can realize their potential and grow to scale.

The Trump Administration’s Harsh Immigration Policies Are Harming Schoolchildren

Children, particularly those of school age, have experienced pain and trauma as a result of Trump’s rhetoric and the immigration policies it begets.

5 Policy Ideas to Improve Private School Voucher Programs

Following the 2018 midterm elections, there are multiple opportunities to reverse the growth of private school voucher programs.

Improving All Schools

Denver Public Schools’ Tiered Support Framework is a boon for all district schools while helping those with the greatest needs outpace similar schools across the state.

How to Match Students With Schools They Choose

A new school enrollment and application process could help ensure students are matched with the schools they choose.

Expanding Access to High-Quality Schools

A centralized enrollment system with a fair, transparent algorithm helps families navigate public school choice options and is more efficient for schools and districts.

A Quality Approach to School Funding

Past school finance ligation shows that future reform must focus on the quality of education.

Education in the 2018 Midterms

In the 2018 midterms, education was a key issue in many state-level races, as some pro-education candidates won races and a number of education-related ballot measures were approved.

Redesigning High School: Local Perspectives From Schools and Districts

Communities across the country are redesigning their high schools to better engage students and prepare them for success in college and the workforce.

Using the Science of Learning to Redesign Schools

Policymakers must reimagine instruction and school structures to reflect the latest science of learning.

Education Is on the Ballot This November

This November, voters in at least 35 states will have the chance to accept or reject roughly 150 education policy and funding questions in the form of ballot measures.

Proposed Amendments to IRS Regulations on State or Local Tax Credits in Exchange for Charitable Contributions

In these comments, the Center for American Progress expresses its support for a proposed IRS regulation that would close a current tax credit loophole.

Profit Before Kids

For-profit virtual charter schools consistently underperform other public schools. Available financial records demonstrate that large for-profit virtual charter school operators allocate public dollars toward advertising, executive compensation, lobbying, and profit at the expense of instruction.

Fixing Chronic Disinvestment in K-12 Schools

States and the federal government must reverse a decade of disinvestment and give students and teachers the resources they need to be successful.

Furthering the College and Career Readiness of the District of Columbia’s Students

CAP director of standards and accountability Laura Jimenez testified before the Council of the District of Columbia on education reform.

The State of the U.S. Labor Market: Pre-August 2018 Jobs Release

On Friday, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics will release its Employment Situation Summary for the month of August. Here’s how teachers are faring.

Curriculum Reform in the Nation’s Largest School Districts

This report provides an analysis of the instructional materials used by the 30 largest school districts in the country.

Building Community Schools Systems

The community schools strategy can reimagine and retool the nation’s public schools to give students in low-income communities a high-quality education.

A Well-Rounded Education

America’s high school students need a rich and varied curriculum in order to be successful in high school, college, and beyond.

How Medicaid Cuts Could Threaten Public School Students and Teachers in Every State

If federal lawmakers’ attacks on Medicaid succeed, states could be forced to fill the resulting budget holes with cuts to public education, leading to lower salaries for teachers or higher tuition for college students.

Education Strengthening Career and Technical Education

Author Laura Jimenez discusses why state high schools should be given adequate resources to prepare all students for both college and their careers.

Establishing a Research Collaborative in Support of District Schools and Students

Testimony Before Council Hearing on Bill 22-776: District of Columbia Education Research Advisory Board and Collaborative Establishment Amendment Act of 2018

How to Give Teachers a $10,000 Raise

Because teachers’ compensation should reflect the importance of their work, CAP proposes a $10,000 federal Teacher Tax Credit that would increase pay for eligible teachers in high-poverty schools.

On the Ground in Puerto Rico

CAP sent a delegation of staff to Puerto Rico; here’s what we learned.

States Must Strengthen High School Graduation Requirements

Authors Laura Jimenez and Kira Orange Jones discuss why states should follow Louisiana's lead in creating high school graduation requirements that match coursework required for college eligibility.

Addressing the Gap Between Education Research and Practice

This proposal aims to connect education leaders and education researchers.

Blueprint for Accountability Systems for Alternative High Schools

Advancing state and local policy discussions about developing accountability systems for alternative high schools.

Fact Sheet: Yes, Increase the Salaries of All Teachers

Teachers across the country are underpaid and deserve a raise.

The Neglected College Race Gap: Racial Disparities Among College Completers

White students have a significant advantage when it comes to where college completers get their credentials and what they study.

64 Years After Brown v. Board, Progressive Leaders Must Act on Segregation

Americans need renewed leadership to realize Brown’s ideals.

Blueprint for the 21st Century

CAP’s Jobs Blueprint addresses the wage stagnation and employment challenges facing working class Americans and communities left behind by investing in millions of new jobs nationwide to meet some of our nation’s most pressing economic and social needs and creating a job guarantee in the hardest-hit areas.

Bold Ideas for State Action

Americans are ready for states—the laboratories of democracy—to offer a new progressive vision for shared prosperity. This report presents a menu of state policy priorities to help people secure good jobs and good wages and to support strong and healthy communities in which all people are treated fairly and equitably.

Why Won’t America Invest in Its Teachers?

This week, Igor sits down with Oklahoma's "Teacher of the Year," Jon Hazell, to discuss why teachers are striking; CAP's director of K-12 Strategic Initiatives, Lisette Partelow, also joins.

Sex Education Standards Across the States

State sex education standards are not adequate to prepare students for life after high school graduation.

Countering the Effects of Trump’s Immigration Policies in Schools

Increased immigration enforcement under the Trump administration is disrupting learning and stability in schools.

College Signing Days Reflect a Future Worth Celebrating

Getting high school students to and through college requires K-12 school systems to invest more in comprehensive college preparation efforts.

High-Performing Charter Schools Help Working Families Find Balance

High-performing public charter schools offer school schedules that better align with the needs of working families.

The Prince-DeVos Plan to Privatize American Institutions

Erik Prince and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos seek to privatize American institutions, which would undermine the country’s democratic foundation and key public services.

A Few Unique Things About Chicago Public Schools

Over the past three decades, Chicago Public Schools have been improving; here are a few things to know about Chicago as we search for answers about how and why.

Evidence Points to the Need for Discipline Reform in D.C. Schools

On January 30, 2018, the senior policy analyst for K-12 Education, Erin Roth, provided testimony before the D.C. Council in support of the goals of the Student Fair Access to School Act and the need for discipline reform.

Are High School Diplomas Really a Ticket to College and Work?

A 50-state review of high school graduation requirements shows misalignment between the coursework necessary to receive a high school diploma and to be eligible for college admissions.

7 Great Education Policy Ideas for Progressives in 2018

A progressive education policy agenda should focus on putting economic mobility and opportunity within reach for all.

Progressive Policy Wins in the Omnibus

Congress’ spending deal makes a number of important policy advances—although it shamefully leaves Dreamers behind.

The Highly Negative Impacts of Vouchers

The negative impact of vouchers on student achievement is equivalent to missing out on more than one-third of a year of classroom learning.

Top 10 Early Childhood Ideas for States in 2018

States have a critical role to play in expanding access to high-quality early childhood programs to ensure all children have the best start in life.

Conservative Attacks on Discipline Reform Are a Distraction from Meaningful Action to Prevent Gun Violence

Education leaders should focus on how to make schools safe, welcoming environments for all students—including through discipline reform.

The Problem With Privatizing Public Education for Military Students

Education savings accounts are another attempt to divert public funding into a voucher-like program.

Education Opportunities in Prison Are Key to Reducing Crime

Federal and state funding should support and expand prison education if the United States hopes to reduce its rapidly growing prison population.

Separate Is Still Unequal

Sixty years after the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision, many students of color still have to fight for their right to a high-quality public education.

The State of Civics Education

Civic education must be comprehensive and engaging to prepare the next generation to be knowledgeable and active leaders.

How To Fix the Large and Growing Latinx Teacher-Student Gap

Every state lacks sufficient Latinx teachers to reflect the diversity of its student body. Policymakers need to adjust recruitment tactics to fill the Latinx teacher-student gap.

5 Ways the Trump Budget Undermines Gun Violence Prevention and School Safety Efforts

President Trump's promise to make schools safer after the Parkland shooting rings hollow against the cuts to such efforts in his 2019 budget.

Trump’s Budget Reveals that He Wants Everyday Americans to Pay for His Tax Cuts for the Wealthy

The president's budget pays for his tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations by slashing health care, education, and other critical investments.

Trump and DeVos Continue to Undermine Public Education with Their Proposed Fiscal Year 2019 Budget

With their proposed fiscal year 2019 budget, President Trump and Secretary DeVos have demonstrated, once again, that they are eager to drain public education funds in order to push their privatization schemes.

These States Are Leveraging Title II of ESSA to Modernize and Elevate the Teaching Profession

This issue brief explains how 15 states are leveraging Title II, Part A of ESSA to modernize and elevate the teaching profession.

Interactive: Nationwide Efforts to Elevate the Teaching Profession

This interactive tool provides examples of programs and initiatives across the country working to modernize and elevate the teaching profession.

Do ESSA Plans Show Promise for Improving Schools?

The authority to change school governance may be a lever to turn around struggling schools.

Public Schools Must Address Disparities in Discipline Rates

Policymakers must take action to help address suspension and expulsion rates for historically disadvantaged students in U.S. public schools.

How to Reform Remedial Education

Policymakers, colleges, and school districts should take steps to successfully reform remedial education for recent high school graduates.