Briefs

July 1, 2021 | San Diego County provided a wide range of supports to districts throughout the pandemic—from a website consolidating COVID-19 and distance learning information to a reopening framework with resources on facility sanitizing, campus capacity, meal programs, busing, arrival and symptom screening procedures, and scheduling. Working with public health partners, these efforts resulted in 98% of districts in the county reopening for in-person learning as of May 2021.

June 18, 2021 | The conditions in and around high-poverty schools and communities result in far too many students not being educated adequately to participate in the global economy or become active, informed citizens. An analysis in North Carolina offers four sets of evidence-based recommendations to provide students with the resources and opportunities they need and put high-poverty schools on a path of equitable improvement.

April 13, 2021 | Reopening efforts should consider child care and preschool programs alongside k–12. To clarify what is known about COVID-19 transmission in early education programs, LPI researchers synthesized studies from around the world that explore transmission rates and mitigation strategies in these programs. They found that, when appropriate health and safety precautions are in place, there is no increased risk of contracting COVID-19.

March 23, 2021 | In March 2020, New York City was a pandemic hotspot. Yet NYC was also the first large U.S. city to reopen its schools. Researchers explore the various mitigation strategies the NYC Department of Education implemented to bring students back and offer useful resources that can support policymakers and educators navigating their own school reopening plans.

March 16, 2021 | Multiple, ongoing crises—from the pandemic to systemic racism—are contributing to a collective and individual trauma that impacts the mental health, wellness, and education of students across the nation. These challenges also present an opportunity to redesign schools into restorative spaces where young people are known and nurtured. Research shows several practices school leaders can adopt to increase equity and help students thrive.

March 4, 2021 | Despite the long-term benefits of early childhood education (ECE) and widespread public support for ECE programs, many children lack access to integrated, inclusive early learning experiences before kindergarten. To build a high-quality, equitable ECE system, federal policymakers can use the tools and resources at their disposal to support state and local efforts to meet the needs of children and families.

February 11, 2021 | How can districts reopen schools safely and reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in schools? Marin County, CA, offers one example of a thoughtful approach to school reopening that draws on public health research and partnerships. Using multilayered mitigation strategies and collaborating with the county offices of education and health, Marin safely reopened more than 85% of its schools for in-person learning.

January 4, 2021 | Teacher workplace conditions can influence the overall quality of teaching, teacher retention, and school improvement. In North Carolina, several policy strategies have been identified that create the conditions that enable teachers to work more effectively. These policies can help the state build a road map for excellence and equity for every student—and the teachers and administrators who serve them every day.

November 12, 2020 | With significant state investment, teacher residencies are spreading throughout California. Vignettes on Humboldt County and Fresno Unified School District highlight examples of California teacher residencies and how they are helping to address shortages and support both students and teachers.

November 11, 2020 | School principals have the ability to create an environment that facilitates learning and empowers teachers and other school staff to be effective in the classroom and school community. Research shows that providing elementary school principals with access to high-quality professional learning can build their capacity to lead successful schools and foster student success. Yet many principals report obstacles to participating in professional development.