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Briefs


Brief
A middle school student looking through a microscope.
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| The decisions states make regarding what their assessments look like and what kind of information they produce inevitably shape instruction and students’ learning experiences. Many state leaders are considering how to create instructionally relevant assessments with a positive instructional impact.
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A counselor having a serious discussion with two high school students.
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| Although evidence suggests that well-designed and well-implemented behavioral threat assessments can be part of an effective violence prevention strategy, school, district, and state leaders must be aware of the concerns surrounding BTA use and implementation and take key considerations into account.
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Students working collaboratively on a screen printing project.
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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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Three students working collaboratively on a school project.
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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.
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Two high school students work together in science class holding up a model skeleton
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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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Two women having a discussion at a table.
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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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Two students solving a math equation on a blackboard.
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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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A teacher assisting students with a math equation on a whiteboard.
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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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Close-up photo of the New Mexico flag.
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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.
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Stressed teacher sitting at a desk in a classroom.
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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.