IDRA

09/01/2026

The most important voices in education are often the ones we hear the least.

Students experience school every day. Their insights should inform the decisions that shape school culture, discipline and belonging.

The voices featured in Listen to Us remind us that meaningful change begins by listening to those most affected. When young people are trusted as researchers, advocates and leaders, they help create schools where every student can thrive.

Explore more from IDRA's Safety, Dignity and Belonging Project:
https://idra.news/ListenToUs

09/01/2026

September offers opportunities to connect classroom learning with history, civic participation and constitutional rights. 📚

This month’s IDRA SEEN Hub picks explore labor history, book censorship, voting rights and freedom of speech, giving students opportunities to examine the people, movements and ideas that continue to shape public life.

Explore these free lessons and more: idraseen.org/hub

09/01/2026

Strong public schools are built through strong research, informed advocacy and meaningful partnerships with communities.

IDRA is growing our team and seeking professionals ready to bring their expertise to work that strengthens and transforms public education.

We are hiring for two opportunities: Deputy Director of Advocacy & Community Partnerships and Research Fellow.

Join us in advancing equal educational opportunity for every child.

🔗 Explore open positions: idra.news/ComeWorkWithUs

08/31/2026

Every student deserves opportunities to discover their strengths, build confidence and envision a bright future. Programs that connect learning to real-world experiences help students see what's possible and recognize the power they already have to shape their own paths.

Watch this inspiring moment and see how students are growing as leaders, learners and changemakers.

Through IDRA Youth TechXperts, Diony explored technology, built new...

08/31/2026

As students head back to school, every child deserves to begin the year knowing they belong.

Public schools are required to serve all children, regardless of immigration status. Creating welcoming schools means understanding students' rights, supporting families and ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn in a safe and inclusive environment.

Share this resource with your school community to help ensure every student starts the school year with confidence.

Learn more: https://idra.news/IDRAigwWelcome



En este regreso a clases, es importante recordar que todas las niñas, niños y jóvenes tienen derecho a aprender y a sentirse bienvenidos en la escuela.

Las escuelas públicas deben brindar acceso a la educación a todos los estudiantes, sin importar su estatus migratorio. Crear escuelas acogedoras significa conocer los derechos de las familias, proteger a los estudiantes y asegurar que cada niño y niña tenga la oportunidad de aprender en un entorno seguro e inclusivo.

Comparta este recurso con su comunidad escolar para ayudar a que todos los estudiantes comiencen el año escolar con confianza.

Más información: https://idra.news/ImmigEd

08/31/2026

The students closest to the problem are often closest to the solution.

As a new school year begins, schools across the country are working to create environments where every student can learn, grow and thrive. That work starts by listening.

Through IDRA's Safety, Dignity and Belonging Project, Black girls in Atlanta became researchers, documenting their own school discipline experiences and offering recommendations for creating schools where every student is treated with fairness, dignity and respect. Their work reminds us that students are not just recipients of education. They are partners in improving it.

When schools listen to student voices, they build stronger relationships, more equitable policies and learning environments where every child belongs.

Learn more:

The Safety, Dignity, and Belonging project is a legal youth participatory action research project co-led by four youth researchers and ... read more

08/31/2026

The law doesn't exist separately from students' lives.

Court decisions influence whether students feel safe in school, whether families can advocate for their children and whether communities have meaningful access to educational opportunity.

In our latest analysis, IDRA examines the 2025-26 U.S. Supreme Court term and explores how decisions affecting civil rights, immigration, LGBTQ+ students and federal agencies could shape the future of public education.

Because education justice isn't only built in classrooms. It's shaped by the policies and legal decisions that determine who has access, protection and opportunity.

Read the full article: https://idra.news/nlJJ26a

08/31/2026

Planning a college tour? IDRA’s free College Access Toolkits offer practical guidance to help students and families navigate the transition from high school to college. The resources also support teachers, counselors and college advisors as they help students plan for their futures.

Download the toolkits and share them before your next college tour!

Explore IDRA’s College Access Toolkits https://www.idra.org/support/community-based-college-access-online-technical-assistance-toolkit/

08/31/2026

Planning lessons for the new school year? 📚

The IDRA SEEN School Resource Hub offers free, culturally sustaining lesson plans connected to holidays, observances and historical anniversaries throughout the fall semester. Explore resources for all grade levels that help students engage with history, culture, civil rights and the world around them.

Use these lessons in your classroom from August through December!

➡️ Explore the free lessons https://idraseen.org/hub/lesson-plans/

08/31/2026

Never miss an IDRA update.

Get the latest education news, research, free teaching resources and event announcements delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up: https://idra.news/GetUpdates