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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.
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Amid challenging teacher workforce conditions, Texas has invested in a multifaceted strategy to seed and support paid teacher residency programs, which includes incentivizing programs to adopt common features. The state can build on already significant progress through continued funding, guidance, and technical assistance.
Laura E. HernándezLinda Darling-HammondNatalie Nielson
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The science of learning and development demonstrates that when young people maintain positive school-based relationships, their learning and well-being is supported and enhanced. Secondary school educators and staff can implement practices that prioritize relationships and caring in order to optimize student learning, well-being, and agency.
Laura E. HernándezLinda Darling-HammondNatalie Nielson
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The science of learning and development demonstrates the value of positive relationships for student success and well-being. Secondary schools can integrate structures to cultivate the conditions that enable healthy attachments to grow between teachers and students, as well as between and among school staff and students’ families.
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In 2021, California began a significant expansion of PreK, including expanding state funding for transitional kindergarten and a legislative commitment to maintain other federally and state-funded PreK options for income-eligible families. Data show promising increases in enrollment of 4-year-olds, both in absolute terms and relative to trends in other states.
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New Mexico supports community schools statewide, including in Roswell, where a middle and high school have created a nourishing school climate and culture by providing culturally responsive and restorative spaces, opportunities for student voice and engagement, and a social safety net to address out-of-school learning barriers.
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This rural New Mexico district implemented the community schools strategy in 2021, emphasizing project-based learning, family and community engagement, and physical and mental wellness. Since then, attendance at school events has dramatically increased, chronic absenteeism has decreased, and the graduation rate has increased.
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Since adopting a community school strategy in 2018, Los Padillas Elementary School has seen improvements in school climate, chronic absenteeism, attendance, academic performance, teacher retention, and enrollment. Their approach centers on culturally relevant and community-connected learning.
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Changes to California's policies for English learners (EL), including EL-specific instructional materials and increased funding, could improve educational outcomes for these students. New research describes these policies and impacts on ELs' academic skills and English proficiency.
