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Fremont High School transformed from a struggling, underenrolled campus into a thriving community school, where students are deeply supported and prepared for college and careers. This brief shares how community leadership, family partnership, innovative programs, and state investments fueled a powerful redesign rooted in authentic relationships and meaningful learning.
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Research on California’s historic investment in community schools reveals that schools implementing the strategy have experienced substantial reductions in chronic absence, notable decreases in suspension rates, and improved test scores, with the largest gains among historically underserved students.
Linda Darling-HammondMatt AlexanderLaura E. HernándezCheryl Jones-Walker
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The traditional factory model of school does not prepare students for our modern global economy. To meet student needs, research points to 10 features for redesigning schools that foster deeper learning, stronger relationships, and equitable outcomes for students.
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To establish and sustain teacher residencies, Texas incorporated crucial features and requirements in its grant program, including required residency model and district–EPP partnership elements, shared residency program governance between partners, and technical assistance aimed at building local and regional capacity to embed strategic staffing structures for sustainable funding.
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Students have more positive and productive math learning experiences in classrooms that provide them with supportive relationships, a strong sense of belonging within the classroom and broader math community, and a firm conviction in their capacity to grow their mathematical abilities through experience and practice.
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The 2023 California Mathematics Framework emphasizes deep content mastery, critical thinking, and problem-solving. School boards play a key role in adopting aligned instructional materials and supporting professional development to enhance teaching. What are necessary instructional shifts and how can governance teams drive effective professional learning to improve student outcomes?
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New Mexico’s investment in community schools is improving student outcomes, school climate, and family engagement. Key to this success are state funding for coordinators, professional development, and technical assistance. Lessons from three case studies offer insights for sustaining and strengthening the model.
Wesley WeiEmma GarcíaMichael A. DiNapoli Jr.Susan Kemper PatrickMelanie Leung-Gagné
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Building a diverse, stable teacher workforce is challenged by low pay and high credentialing costs. Policies reducing student loan debt can ease financial barriers for teachers while improving recruitment and retention. Federal strategies, supported by state and local actions, can address these strains and strengthen the teaching profession.
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Summer learning plays a vital role in supporting students year-round. Recognized by the federal government as a key strategy for recovering from pandemic-related learning disruptions, it was supported through ESSR funds, which have now been spent or committed. Moving forward, lessons can be learned from states that have sustained their efforts.
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In response to ongoing teacher shortages, at the direction of the legislature, the Texas Education Agency launched a large-scale expansion of paid teacher residencies. Data show positive outcomes for residency participants, schools and districts, and educator preparation programs. Further state-level policy action will be needed to continue Texas’s meaningful progress.
