This research brief synthesizes decades of evidence to guide district and school leaders on when students should take Algebra I, how they should be placed, and what supports promote success. It highlights that placement based on academic readiness, rather than grade level or subjective judgments, leads to stronger achievement and access,…

Over the years, the nation's large urban school districts have consistently learned from the progress of their peer districts across the country. Great City School districts that have embraced the challenge of educating America's urban children have recognized the value of benchmarking their performance and growth against the progress of others.…