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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.
Sarah KlevanLaura E. HernándezNatalie SpitzerCassandra F. RubinsteinWalker Swain
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Los Angeles Unified School District successfully implemented its Community Schools Initiative through a robust support structure that centers inclusive environments enabled by restorative practices, project-based learning, and Linked Learning pathways. While all low-income schools in the district are recovering from pandemic-era lows, these schools are improving at substantially higher rates in achievement and attendance.
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California’s expansion of universal prekindergarten (PreK) has helped increase access to early childhood education (ECE) programs. This brief examines the impact of investments in universal PreK by calculating how many 3- and 4-year-olds have enrolled in publicly funded ECE programs across the state.
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This practice brief from EdPrepLab examines how the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) has taken a systemwide approach to supporting educator well-being through social and emotional learning (SEL). Grounded in the science of learning and development, the brief makes a clear case that educator well-being is not an individual responsibility but a shared, organizational priority.
Tiffany S. TanWesley WeiDesiree Carver-ThomasEmma García
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The most recent data from NCES’ national teacher and principal surveys highlight persistently high teacher turnover and widespread dissatisfaction. The data also point to strategies for decreasing turnover, including competitive salaries, effective school leadership, improved working conditions, and supports for early-career teachers.
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Well-prepared teachers are essential during early years of learning, which form the foundation for lifelong success. A study examining early childhood credentialing programs in Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York sheds light on strategies institutions of higher education can use to promote quality and accessibility of ECE credential programs.
