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

Blog

How Will Each of Us Contribute to Racial Justice and Educational Equity Now?

Those of us who work in education must acknowledge that our school systems have been complicit in perpetuating systemic racism, including through the criminalization and marginalization of Black children. Our goal in this moment must be to dismantle these discriminatory policies and replace them with approaches that honor the dignity of the lives of Black children as they do of all children.
Blog

The Impact of the COVID-19 Recession on Teaching Positions

Reductions in state revenue and corresponding cuts to state education budgets will mean significant cuts to teaching positions unless the federal government provides increased education funding to states. This blog explores the potential impact of state budget cuts on teaching positions. An accompanying interactive allows for a state-by-state analysis based on different funding scenarios. Read more from the Learning in the Time of COVID-19 blog series >>
Webinar

Webinar | Performance Assessment in College Admissions: How Students Show What They Know and Can Do

Jun 23 2020
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Traditional college admissions measures do not always provide a full picture of what aspiring students know and are able to do, leading some higher education institutions to transition to more holistic approaches. On June 23, Reimagining College Access will host a webinar to highlight examples from two New England colleges, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Wheaton College, which have broadened their approaches to admissions decisions by incorporating performance assessments into their applications.
Brief

Reopening Schools in the Context of COVID-19: Health and Safety Guidelines From Other Countries

Schools across the United States canceled in-person classes beginning in March 2020 to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. In many areas, school buildings are closed for the duration of the school year. Education leaders are making plans to reopen schools for the next academic year or even sooner. To reopen schools safely, state and district leaders will need to address important health considerations.
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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 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
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.