A large majority of teachers in one western state say they would quit if they could. But elsewhere, a much smaller percentage of educators are thinking about leaving the profession.

Cardona said Title I is the "best tool" to address K-12 inequity and advocated for a $1 billion investment in mental health care for students at recent Congressional hearing.

Small school districts are using dual language and raising students' aspirations as two strategies to better prepare graduates for college and careers.

Districts can do better to ensure their students are effectively prepared for college and careers by administering readiness feedback surveys as early as middle school.