Dion BurnsJennifer A. BlandJonathan KaplanPatrick M. Shields
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More than 1.5 million U.S. students experienced homelessness in 2023–24, yet federal McKinney-Vento funding, which provides housing and educational protections for people experiencing homelessness, has limited reach. Washington is among the few states that provide funding beyond McKinney-Vento. As a result, the state is seeing improved identification, school stability, and graduation rates.
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This brief from EdPrepLab describes how the University of South Carolina’s College of Education redesigned its teacher education core to create a more integrated preparation program grounded in the science of learning and development (SoLD) and informed by state-level educator workforce data.
Melanie Leung-GagnéLucy SorensenTara KiniSusan Kemper PatrickDesiree Carver-ThomasTiffany S. TanLinda Darling-HammondThomas M. SmithYiwang Li
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California's teacher shortage crisis has tripled the number of teachers practicing with substandard credentials since 2012–13, disproportionately impacting students of color and low-income communities. While recent state investments have increased well-prepared teachers significantly, many programs are sunsetting. Sustained, coordinated policy action is needed to stabilize the state’s workforce.
Susan Kemper PatrickTiffany S. TanJulie FitzCathy Yun
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California’s investment in teacher residencies has led to the recruitment and retention of a racially and ethnically diverse teacher workforce with higher passing rates on the state assessment and higher entry rates into the profession than other preparation pathways. Through residencies, candidates receive financial support and year-long guidance from a mentor in the classroom, while completing coursework.
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The brief from EdPrepLab describes how the Teaching Fellows program at Arizona State University (ASU) creates an accelerated pathway for paraeducators to earn a teaching degree and certification while continuing to work in schools.
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Steep declines in math achievement driven by COVID-19-era school disruptions have renewed interest in improving math instruction. A study of 10 California middle school teachers identifies the classroom conditions needed for students to thrive as math learners: positive relationships, a sense of belonging, growth mindsets, and high-quality instruction.
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This brief from EdPrepLab explores how integrating play as both a mindset and a pedagogical approach can strengthen teacher preparation and influence how candidates design learning experiences for their PreK–12 students.
Linda Darling-HammondJulie FitzMaría Virginia GianiMolly F. GordonMarjorie Wechsler
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Public schools face mounting challenges, including student mental health, chronic absenteeism, academic achievement, and teacher shortages. Yet the principal's impact is often overlooked. Effective leadership strengthens instruction, builds positive climate, and stabilizes the workforce. Investing in principal preparation, support, and retention is a powerful strategy for improving outcomes and advancing equity.
Susan Kemper PatrickChazz HigginbothamRyan SaundersTiffany S. TanSteve Wojcikiewicz
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Texas is navigating high teacher attrition and relying on uncertified teachers who can fill vacancies quickly. While the share of uncertified teachers tripled across the state between 2019–20 and 2024–25, some districts maintained high rates of certified teachers. This study sought to identify those districts and understand the local contexts that might encourage hiring and retention of certified teachers. These findings are especially relevant in the context of newly passed state legislation enabling a significant financial investment in retaining and recruiting credentialed teachers.
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Oakland High School has reimagined learning by integrating a community schools model, Linked Learning pathways, dual enrollment, and comprehensive student supports. Grounded in strong relationships and community connections, this approach has expanded engaging, real-world learning opportunities while improving student achievement, graduation rates, and teacher retention.
