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

Professionals collaborating at work
Brief

Preparing Teachers for Deeper Learning

Preparing Teachers for Deeper Learning summarizes a recent book of the same name that describes the work of pioneering teacher education programs to prepare their graduates to create personalized, inquiry-based learning for all students. They provide examples for teachers, teacher educators, and policymakers interested in making preparation for deeper learning the standard for today's teachers. The programs are also profiled separately in individual briefs which provide more detail.
In the News

LPI Experts Discuss Impact of Principal Leadership on Teacher Shortages in New Podcast

In the National Governors Association new School Leadership Hot Topics Podcast series, LPI’s Jessica Cardichon and Stephanie Levin discuss new reports on principal turnover, the impact of principal leadership and support on teacher shortages, and ways that states are using the Every Student Succeeds Act to develop and support principals and school leaders.
External Link

Educator Preparation Laboratory

EdPrepLab is an initiative of LPI and Bank Street College of Education to strengthen educator preparation in the United States by building the collaborative capacity of preparation programs, school districts, and state policymakers. Linking research, policy, and practice, EdPrepLab supports preparation programs that are equity-focused, student-centered, and grounded in the science of learning and development, and seeks to expand these approaches systemwide.
Blog

Invest in California’s Children by Investing in Early Childhood Educators

California has an opportunity to invest in its children by investing in its educators. To do so effectively, the state should consider a multi-dimensional approach that includes a true infrastructure of support, higher professional standards, and competitive compensation. With these investments and holistic approach, California will be one step closer to setting its youngest learners on a path to good health, academic success, and economic security later in life.
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Our Work

Early Childhood Learning
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
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
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
Topic: Equitable Resources and Access
Equitable Access and Resources
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
Topic: Accountability and Improvement
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
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
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.