Great Lakes Center

A new NEPC review argues that recent claims about Wisconsin’s racial achievement gaps oversimplify the role of systemic inequality.

Reviewer Jaekyung Lee writes that poverty, disability, and family instability cannot be separated from longstanding racial inequities in education and society.

The review calls for more comprehensive, evidence-based approaches to addressing disparities.

https://nepc.colorado.edu/sites/default/files/reviews/NR%20Roy.pdf

How are school districts approaching AI adoption?

A new CRPE brief examines how early adopter districts are integrating AI into instruction, along with the implementation challenges schools are encountering.

The report also explores what conditions may support responsible, effective use of AI in education.

https://crpe.org/early-adopter-districts-and-ai/

A recent NEPC review raises questions about claims surrounding Colorado’s proposed federal tax-credit voucher program.

The review argues projected economic gains and enrollment increases are overstated and rely on speculative assumptions.

The analysis also highlights broader concerns about evidence-based policymaking around school voucher expansion.

Read more:
https://www.greatlakescenter.org/post-page/?id=3184&type=think_twice

Schools are investing billions in safety measures — but what actually helps students feel safe?

A new Learning Policy Institute analysis highlights research-backed approaches that support both physical safety and student well-being.

The report emphasizes relationship-building, mental health supports, and positive school climate.

https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/blog/districts-are-investing-billions-school-safety-heres-what-actually-keeps-students-safe

Access to public education for immigrant students is facing renewed legal and political scrutiny.

A new Bellwether review examines how states are responding to Plyler v. Doe — the landmark Supreme Court decision guaranteeing undocumented students access to public schools.

The report also explores the potential consequences of restricting access.

https://bellwether.org/publications/equal-protection-and-public-education-access-for-immigrant-students-a-50-state-review/

What happens when schools lose enrollment?

A Manhattan Institute analysis examines the growing challenge of under-enrolled schools in New York City, including questions around financial sustainability, staffing, and long-term planning.

As enrollment patterns shift nationwide, districts are increasingly facing difficult decisions about school size, consolidation, and resource allocation.

Read more:

https://manhattan.institute/article/what-to-do-about-nycs-empty-schools

As states consider whether to participate in the new federal private school voucher tax-credit program, public education advocates are raising concerns about accountability, equity, and public funding.

Illinois Families for Public Schools has launched a new resource hub examining how voucher programs may affect public schools, students, and state budgets.

The site includes research, advocacy tools, and policy explainers related to the expanding federal voucher landscape.

Explore the resources:

https://pfps.org/pfps-launches-new-webpage-on-the-federal-voucher-scheme-with-resources-for-public-education-advocates.html

What explains where student achievement is improving post-pandemic?

The latest Education Scorecard from CEPR-Harvard highlights signs of math recovery and emerging gains tied to literacy reforms, while warning that many middle-income districts continue to lag behind.

The report also examines factors shaping achievement, including absenteeism, cellphone use, and social media.

Read more:
https://educationrecoveryscorecard.org/

Do industry-recognized credentials improve student outcomes?

A study examines how students who earn credentials in high school fare in college and the workforce.

https://fordhaminstitute.org/national/research/industry-recognized-credentials

How do tax incentives affect school funding?

A recent analysis finds that subsidies for data centers can significantly reduce revenue that would otherwise support K–12 schools.

https://goodjobsfirst.org/the-hidden-costs-of-virginias-data-center-subsidy-and-how-they-undermine-public-schools/