Research has long documented that a strong teacher can have profound effects on student math and reading scores. And yet, school systems have tended to focus on quantity over quality. But prioritizing teacher quality is possible. And it doesn't mean throwing out the traditional pay scale or resorting to unpopular merit bonuses. A few school systems are paving the way.
While the ESSER tap was flowing, districts promoted many of their best teachers into non-teaching roles of administrators, coordinators, interventionists, coaches, and student support staff. With those funds gone how districts pivot-- focus on quality over quantity--matters for students.
News of federal layoffs is everywhere. Meanwhile, districts are making their own massively consequential decisions right now, including layoffs of school personnel.
The 10-year trends for each state suggest a reset is needed in many to ensure that investments are delivering more for students.
Small schools can be financially feasible - but there are tradeoffs.
How will the election impact school finance? Here's what we think is on the ed finance horizon and what’s worrying us.
Larger higher-poverty districts got more ESSER per pupil than their peers. But, many of those districts then deployed relief funds in ways that disproportionately boosted spending in their wealthier schools. How did that happen?
Special Ed is consuming a growing share of public school dollars. Is it helping? We owe it to students to regularly scrutinize these dollars to see if we can do more to maximize the outcomes for them.
The Sept. 30 ESSER deadline is fast approaching. Which districts might miss it?
Most districts now have more staff than ever before. Per usual, Edunomics Lab asks: Is it working? Are students benefiting?
Optimism around the ed vendor space is running high.
It's more important than ever to track real-time data.
Upcoming cohort: September 24-25 in Washington, DC
