Education, K-12

The Center for American Progress is committed to developing policies for a new education agenda that is rooted in the idea of opportunity for all, with equity in access at the center. This agenda focuses on five key components: 1) applying an explicit race equity lens to policy development; 2) preparing all students for college, civic engagement, and the future workforce; 3) modernizing and elevating the teaching profession; 4) dramatically increasing investments in public schools and improving the equity of existing investments; and 5) bringing a balanced approach to charter school policy.

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Fact Sheet: 3 Trends in K-12 Assessments Across the Country Fact Sheet
Student running down sidewalk; school bus in distance

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.

Allie Pearce

House Republican Budget Threatens Public Education and Opportunity for Young People Article
Empty elementary school classroom

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.

Challenges and Opportunities of Providing Free School Meals for All Report
Three elementary students sit and compare lunches at a cafeteria table.

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.

Allie Pearce, Anona Neal

Community-Based Strategies To Reduce Gun Violence in Schools Article
Photo shows an empty basketball court facing a one-story white school, with a chainlink fence between the camera lens and the basketball court

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.

Allie Pearce, Akilah Alleyne

How To Make Schools Safer Without Additional Physical Security Measures Report
Photo shows several students walking in front of a colorful mural.

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.

Emily Katz, Roby Chatterji, Akilah Alleyne

Teacher Preparation Shortcuts Won’t Solve the Teacher Shortage Article
Photo shows an empty classroom with chairs stacked on top of the desks.

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.

Loren Welles

Why K-12 Teachers and Their Students Need Investments in Child Care Article
Teacher standing while helping student seated at desk

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.

Emily Katz

The Alternative Teacher Certification Sector Outside Higher Education Report
Photo shows a group of adults seated around tables in a classroom.

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.

Jacqueline E. King, Jessica Yin

Beyond Acronyms Past Event
High school students in a semi-circle from New York City in conversation.

Beyond Acronyms

Honoring the Complex Experiences of Asian American and Pacific Islander Communities in K-12 Education

Prioritizing Racial Equity in Student Mental Health Spending Report

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.

Abby Quirk

Proposed Priorities for the School Pulse Panel Data Collection Sign-On Letter

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.

Center for American Progress and partners

Proposed Changes to the Mandatory Civil Rights Data Collection Sign-On Letter

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.

Center for American Progress and partners

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