This policy guide, created in partnership with the College in High School Alliance, Everyone Graduates Center, Linked Learning Alliance, and National College Attainment Network, encourages state and district leaders to use federal coronavirus relief funds to improve college access and success, especially for students who are historically…

In the upcoming reconciliation bill, the U.S. Congress is urged to address the substantial decline in college enrollment resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic by: (1) expanding access to dual enrollment programs as part of free community college packages; and (2) expanding and investing in activities to support students' transition from high school…

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015 supports states in implementing high-quality assessments by providing new assessment flexibility, funding, and a new pilot program. These new policies will support teachers in using assessments to foster deeper learning among students, including the ability to master core academic content, think…

Completing additional education after high school has nearly become a prerequisite for a stable career and middle-class income. Yet the total cost of higher education continues to climb, increasing 31 percent at public institutions and 24 percent at private nonprofit institutions in ten years. Consequently, student loans will remain a reality for…

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015 outlines a direct and sustained approach to improving literacy achievement by supporting states in developing high-quality literacy instruction and a continuum of interventions and support for students at risk for reading and writing failure.

Early College High Schools (ECHSs) and dual-enrollment programs allow students to take college courses while still in high school. Research has shown that students participating in these programs are more likely to enroll in college, post higher college grade point averages, persist, and ultimately graduate from college. Too often, however, the…

During adolescence, students experience a variety of biological changes in their bodies and brains. This Alliance for Excellent Education report argues that by understanding these changes--as well as the science behind student learning and development--education leaders can take advantage of this second critical window of development to support…

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015 offers several opportunities to support rural education by providing states and local districts more flexibility while preserving the critical role of the federal government. ESSA maintains Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP), which represents a dedicated stream of exible federal formula funding…

Educators are on the front line of the national response to COVID-19. Although school buildings are closed nationwide, schools remain central to the national strategy for meeting families' basic needs while educators strive to continue teaching students remotely. Long-standing gaps in educational opportunity and access have been further exposed…

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015 supports digital learning and the effective use of technology. ESSA eliminates the Enhancing Education through Technology (Ed-Tech) State Program. However, it creates a new Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants program and authorizes up to $1.6 billion annually to provide formula grants to…

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015 includes several provisions that target the education needs of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students. This brief primer discusses how ESSA relates to the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), the state tribal education partnership, cooperative agreements, consultation with tribes,…

Linked Learning transforms student learning experiences by bringing meaning and motivation to the school day. It integrates college and career preparation by combining rigorous academic coursework, sequenced career and technical education, work-based learning experiences, and comprehensive support services. Today, Linked Learning is working in…

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015 includes several provisions that support the implementation of Linked Learning in California. Linked Learning is an approach to high school redesign that combines: (1) rigorous academics; (2) career-based learning in the classroom; (3) work-based learning; and (4) integrated student supports. These…

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015 offers a number of opportunities for states and districts to advance deeper learning and ensure that all students graduate from high school with the ability to think critically, solve complex problems, collaborate with peers, communicate effectively, and be self-directed. Deeper learning is the…

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015 offers several opportunities for states, districts, and not-for-profit and for-profit entities to invest in high-quality innovative teacher preparation and support new educators as they begin their careers. Title II of ESSA provides formula grants to states and local districts to support the…