Welcome to Learning Policy Institute

The Learning Policy Institute conducts and communicates independent, high-quality research to improve education policy and practice. Working with policymakers, researchers, educators, community groups, and others, the Institute seeks to advance evidence-based policies that support empowering and equitable learning for each and every child. Read More

Learning in the Time of COVID-19 blog series art
Blog

Connecting While Disconnected: Nurturing the Relationship Between Culture, Land, and Learners

Educators with the Hawaiian-focused charter schools have adapted their practices, grounded in Hawaiian culture and students’ relationship and responsibility to natural environments, to the constraints brought on by COVID-19. While nothing can replace the ocean voyages, agricultural work, and community service activities that are central elements of their “typical” school year, staff have developed new virtual ʻāina-based (land-based) activities and assessments to respond to the new reality of distance learning.
Report

Assessing College Readiness Through Authentic Student Work

Early data from a unique college admissions pilot program at City University of New York (CUNY) provide promising evidence on how colleges can expand admissions, better determine which students are likely to thrive, and potentially increase equity.
Brief

Leveraging Resources Through Community Schools: The Role of Technical Assistance

Community schools are an evidence-based approach to advance whole child education by offering integrated student supports, expanded and enriched learning time, family and community engagement, and collaborative leadership and practices. Local government and nonprofit agencies in two California counties—Los Angeles and Alameda—have effectively provided technical assistance to support community school initiatives. Evidence shows that technical assistance from county offices and nonprofit agencies can be a powerful element of successful community schools.
News

Resources and Examples: Learning in the Time of COVID-19

During the COVID-19 crisis, millions of children who are homeless & food insecure can't access essential services or learning. This page provides resources for parents and educators to help support learning during the crisis, including sections on distance learning, social emotional learning, and supports for students with exceptional abilities and English learners.
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Our Work

Early Childhood Learning
High-quality early learning provides young children, particularly those from low-income households, with the foundation that research shows improves academic success and provides long-term benefits.
https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/topic/early-childhood-learning
Deeper Learning
The Learning Policy Institute explores three key components of deeper learning strategies: * Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment * College, Career, and Civic Readiness * School Organization and Design
https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/topic/deeper-learning
Educator Quality
We explore three key components of educator quality: * Evaluation and Career Development * Professional Learning * Recruitment and Retention
https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/topic/educator-quality
Equitable Resources and Access
Equitable distribution of financial and other critical resources, including access to high-quality educators, college-preparatory curriculum, and support services, creates the foundation necessary for every child to succeed.
https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/topic/equitable-resources-and-access
Accountability and Improvement
Effective accountability systems ensure adequate and equitable resources and enable ongoing improvement. They do this by providing the information, capacity building, and support needed to identify strengths and challenges, and make necessary improvements.
https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/topic/accountability-and-improvement
In the News
Media outlets around the country turn to the Learning Policy Institute’s research and staff for evidenced-based insight into critical issues facing our schools and students.
https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/in-the-news
Publications
The Learning Policy Institute publishes and widely disseminates its research and analysis to contribute to public knowledge and policy decision making. All LPI publications are subject to rigorous research standards and external peer review.
https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/products/all-publications
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
The Learning Policy Institute has produced an extensive collection of resources to inform and guide policymakers and stakeholders in the development of state ESSA plans.
https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/topic/essa

Focus on School Finance

Report cover image for Investing for Student Success Lessons from State School Finance Reforms
Report

Investing for Student Success: Lessons from State School Finance Reforms

Apr 09 2019
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Money matters when it comes to improving our nation’s schools, but how that money is spent is critical. This report reviews and analyzes efforts by four states to undertake progressive school funding strategies in order to substantially improve learning opportunities for all students and provides recommendations for federal and state policies to address funding inequalities that contribute to the cycle of poverty.
Cover photo for Sharing the Wealth: How Regional Finance and Desegregation Plans Can Enhance Educational Equity
Report

Sharing the Wealth: How Regional Finance and Desegregation Plans Can Enhance Educational Equity

Feb 28 2019
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In American public schools, most racial and ethnic segregation—and most financial inequity—occurs between, not within, school districts, which is why cooperative interdistrict approaches are often the most effective at addressing these problems. Looking at three regions—Boston, MA; Hartford, CT; and Omaha, NE—the authors examine interdistrict desegregation designs that use innovative funding strategies to foster equity, quality, and access. They share academic and social outcomes and identifies lessons for policymakers.
Report

Essential Building Blocks for State School Finance Systems and Promising State Practices

Dec 05 2018
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The cost for failing to properly invest in a high-quality public education for all children has grave implications for both the students and society at large. A new report shares essential state-level strategies and examples to help policymakers develop equitable and effective school finance systems.