Expert Research and Solutions on U.S. K-12 Education Policy Reform

K-12 Education In America: A Research-Driven Perspective

Education is one of the most powerful tools a society has to shape its future. Yet across the U.S., K–12 schools are grappling with teacher shortages, funding gaps, and growing political pressure—raising urgent questions about how to deliver high-quality, equitable education for all students.

The Scholars Strategy Network includes researchers who study today’s most pressing challenges for K–12 education. Explore briefs and No Jargon podcast episodes, where SSN members discuss current policies and share research-based solutions.

Featured Policy Brief on K-12 Education

Standardized test on a students desk with a pencil

How to Improve American Schooling with Less High-Stakes Testing and More Investment in Teacher Development

By Nadia Behizadeh

Reducing high-stakes testing and investing in teacher-led assessments and professional development can improve student learning, teacher retention, and overall education quality.

Woman voting in school board election

Why Nonpartisan – Versus Partisan – School Board Elections Do Not Tell the Whole Story

By Evan Crawford

Nonpartisan school board elections do not eliminate political polarization, and partisan-elected officials are more influenced by party cues on key policy issues.

Young elementary school teacher teaching at the front of a classroom

The Impact of Four-Day School Weeks on Teacher Recruitment in Missouri

By Anita Manion

The four-day school week in Missouri has not significantly improved teacher recruitment, while higher salaries remain the key factor in attracting qualified educators

School bus on its route to pick students up for school

Investing in Healthcare to Keep Students in Class

By Wendy Castillo and Jeremy Singer

Unmet healthcare needs, especially in mental, dental, and medical care, contribute significantly to chronic absenteeism among students, meaning they missed ten percent or more school days.

Featured Podcast Episodes on K-12 Education

Black and white image of an empty desk in a high school classroom

Segregation in our Schools

Frankenberg explains what racial segregation has looked like for marginalized students over the past few decades and what needs to be done to combat ongoing segregation.

Child looking through microscope

Invisible Barriers in STEM Education

Perez-Felkner outlines the invisible barriers that racially minoritized and low-income students face when taking STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) classes.

Two children intently using laptop with teacher nearby, supervising

Does AI Have a Role in Education?

Ballenger breaks down what generative AI is, how schools are using it today, and the game-changing ways it could transform learning in the future.

K-12 Education Experts

Arizona State University-Tempe
Boston University
University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Denver
Medical University of South Carolina
University of North Georgia
Classroom full of empty, brown, wooden desks

Education Scholars Training Program

SSN’s Education Scholars Training Program supports 15 scholars each year in bridging research, policy, and practice, helping their work shape U.S. education policy.

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