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Maddy Sims, Lydia Rainey, Lisa Chu

As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday in 2026, debates over democracy, rights, and free speech dominate headlines. At the same time, school districts face growing pressure to decide what kinds of civic learning opportunities to offer. Do districts consider a foundational understanding of the U.S. government and its functions enough for students?

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Latest Research Publications

  • Research Reports    

Grappling With Discipline in Autonomous Schools: New Approaches From D.C. and New Orleans

Betheny Gross, Sivan Tuchman, Sarah Yatsko

This report profiles leading efforts by two cities to bring consistency and fairness to discipline practices in both district and charter schools.

  • Research Reports    

Suburban Schools: The Unrecognized Frontier in Public Education

Sean Gill, Jordan Posamentier, Paul Hill

This paper reviews trends around changing student populations in suburban America and the accompanying demands facing suburban public school systems.

  • Research Reports    

Financing Personalized Learning: What Can We Learn From First-Generation Adopters?

Larry Miller, Betheny Gross, Tricia Maas, Alton Lu, Robin Lake

This paper takes the first systematic look at costs associated with implementing personalized learning schools, how leaders of these schools choose to allocate their funds, and what it might take to make personalized learning financially sustainable on public dollars.

  • Research Reports    

Roots of Engagement in Baton Rouge: How Community Is Shaping the Growth of New School Options

Christine Campbell

This case study looks at the community engagement efforts underway in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where a diverse group of civic leaders are working to create high-quality new school options.

  • Research Reports    

Changing Methods and Mindsets: Lessons from Innovate NYC

Steven Hodas

Author Steven Hodas shares his experiences working with the New York Department of Education to foster innovative practices and develop more nimble procurement procedures.

  • Research Reports    

The Street-Level Politics of School Reform

Paul Hill, Ashley Jochim

Paul Hill and Ashley Jochim profile portfolio strategy efforts in five cities and offer lessons for leaders to sustain long-term education reform amid political opposition.

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