The Lens

CRPE’s blog – a space where we look around the corner, comment on relevant issues, and propose new ideas for the future of education.

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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?

Must-Reads

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Jorge Elorza

Our Phoenix Rising series aims to elevate diverse perspectives and enable informed debate on urgent topics.  For too long, the political Left has allowed the debate over school choice to be defined and dominated by conservatives.

Latest Publications

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Beyond the Headlines: What Civics Education Looks Like Right Now

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.

  • Blogs    
  • The Lens    

It’s Time for the Left To Come to the School Choice Table

Jorge Elorza

Our Phoenix Rising series aims to elevate diverse perspectives and enable informed debate on urgent topics.  For too long, the political Left has allowed the debate over school choice to be defined and dominated by conservatives.

  • Blogs    
  • The Lens    

Pension Costs Are Draining School Budgets. Here’s What States Can Do

Chad Aldeman

Student enrollment is falling at public schools across the country, impacting funding streams and threatening financial solvency, as schools continue to be on the hook for considerable fixed costs like loans or debts.

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CRPE and the Walton Family Foundation Support $2.6M in Grants to Study Pandemic Recovery

Morgan Polikoff, Emily Prymula

TEMPE, AZ — Over the past four years, CRPE’s Evidence Project has tracked the pandemic’s impact on students and school system recovery efforts.

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