Student Success

MTSS in action: How to build coherent systems of support

Multi-Tiered System of Supports is public education’s version of "Moneyball": a smarter, data-driven framework that ensures every student receives the right level of support to succeed academically, socially and emotionally.

Introducing a CTE program students really want to join

The Ogden School District is setting students up for employment within months after graduation. Here's how.

How these 3 states are fighting chronic absenteeism

Nationwide, chronic absenteeism sits at about 23%. These states can serve as models for superintendents tasked with boosting attendance.

Why networking has become more valuable than a college degree

One-third of 2025 college graduates are unemployed and actively seeking work. Here's how college leaders can help.

A superintendent who sees himself as the ‘shepherd’ of his flock

La Porte ISD Superintendent Dr. Walter Jackson lives by one leadership philosophy: Put the needs of others first.

Poverty—not income—is the most important factor in determining college success

Only low-poverty high schools produced graduating classes in which more than half of students earned a postsecondary degree within six years, says research..

Superintendents and teachers can’t agree on this one issue

What's the best way to measure student engagement? It depends on who you're asking, new research confirms.

A simple way colleges in 3 states invite more high schoolers

Alabama, Illinois and Tennessee are now offering acceptance letters—and even scholarships—with just the click of a button.

Colleges must show they don’t consider race in admissions

Colleges and universities must provide admissions data to show they are prioritizing test scores and academic achievements.

What Gen Z needs to know about non-college pathways

Gen Z students feel well-informed about four-year degrees and post-high school workforce options but know less about other non-college pathways, a new survey finds.

More federal investigations pile up against school districts

The Department of Education has launched investigations of several school districts and state education departments. Each case shines a light on what exactly the federal agency is looking for and how you can avoid conflict.

Countering the big impact of poor mental health on academics

Student mental health results in several negative outcomes, including disruption in classrooms, exhausting budgets and stretching school leaders to their breaking point, a new survey suggests.

11 reasons students aren’t applying to college

College is either far too expensive, too far from home or too "elitist," a new survey suggests. Here are eight more reasons students aren't applying to college.

Students grade their schools a B for these reasons

Students gave their schools better grades for overall quality and their relationship with teachers, according to new research. 

Here is why and when students lost interest in math

Students develop identities as "math people" during elementary school, suggesting that teachers at that level "have a large role in cultivating positive math attitudes," according to a new survey.

4 ways states can better address chronic absenteeism

More states are publishing chronic absenteeism data than ever before. Here's how their reporting can improve so schools can take action even quicker.

Can colleges overcome cuts to two big access programs?

President Donald Trump's push to eliminate TRIO and GEAR UP funding is forcing schools enrolling high proportions of low-income and marginalized students to quickly re-allocate resources.

4 big reasons micro-credentials are off to a slow start

Interest in micro-credentials is high in K12 as leaders look for fresh ways to prepare students for post-graduation success.

Chicago Public Schools’ ‘Black Student Success Plan’ is under investigation

Education Department launches an investigation into an allegation that Chicago Public Schools' remedial program discriminates against students of other races. 

What will happen to districts that defy Trump’s DEI order?

A growing number of states say they are removing DEI from their schools even as some leaders refuse to comply.

Maine at risk of losing its federal K12 funding

U.S. Department of Education is on the verge of defunding Maine's schools over what the agency says are Title IX violations involving transgender athletes.

Feds launch new team to investigate transgender athletes

Launch of the "Title IX Special Investigations Team" comes one day after the Trump administration threatened to withhold Title I funding over DEI programs.

Schools must now prove anti-discrimination compliance to preserve funding

As of this week, K12 school districts must certify their adherence to Title VI or risk a loss of federal assistance, according to the Department of Education.

Summer literacy: An important way to close learning gaps

Structured summer literacy programs using familiar resources help students avoid the summer slide and start the school year strong.

This new FAQ answers your questions about DEI guidance

A new resource answers leaders' questions about Education Department's new laws prohibiting DEI programming.

How schools are—and are not—revamping DEI programs

Both K12 and higher ed are scrambling to define their policy in response to the Trump Administration's order to end all DEI programming.

Student mental health: Early intervention is most important

Student mental health will continue to suffer if schools don't have the resources to intervene until kids are in crisis, a new report contends. 

These 10 states have the highest chronic absenteeism levels

By the 2023-24 school year, four states each witnessed chronic absenteeism rates above 30%, new research confirms. Other states weren't far behind.

Here’s when you need to reevaluate DEI programming

K12 and higher education institutions may be punished for not halting all diversity, equity and inclusion-based initiatives.

Here’s what superintendents think of the Title IX reversal

State Superintendents have mixed opinions of the revert to Title IX's 2020 regulations. Here's what they're saying.

New executive order bans transgender athletes from girls’ sports

K12 schools that fail to comply with Title IX regulations will risk receiving federal funding, said Trump during Wednesday's signing ceremony.

New Title IX protections are wiped out by Trump administration

Gender identity and sexual orientation will no longer be protected under Title IX. Instead, schools will return to enforcing protections on the basis of biological sex.

Illusion of the ‘A’: How to look beyond short-term success

If the ultimate goal of education is to prepare students for life, then our focus must shift from rewarding fleeting success to fostering genuine understanding that lasts.

Here are 5 strategies for improving chronic absenteeism

While chronic absenteeism saw modest improvements, it's still a significant challenge in schools nationwide, new research affirms.

4 K12 predictions to help you lead effectively in 2025

Are you prepared to navigate 2025's challenges? Here are some predictions to help guide your list of priorities for the new year.