Fierce advocates for the high academic achievement of all students — particularly those of color or living in poverty.

This morning we published our new brief, “Systems for Success: Thinking Beyond Access to AP,” an in-depth examination of two high schools that are not only enrolling more traditionally underserved students in AP courses, but also helping them pass at rates above the national average. The brief highlights Alhambra…

The national data are clear: more students of color are taking AP exams, but success rates for these students lag behind those of their peers. With many ongoing efforts to expand access to Advanced Placement courses it’s critical that school leaders have an equal focus on supporting their…

The Honorable Mitch McConnell Majority Leader U.S. Senate Washington, DC 20510 The Honorable Chuck Schumer Minority Leader U.S. Senate Washington, DC 20510 The Honorable Paul Ryan Speaker U.S. House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 The Honorable Nancy Pelosi Minority Leader U.S. House of Representatives Washington…

Anytime I tell people that I am majoring in social studies education, they ask one of two questions: “Where do you want to teach?” or “Why do you want to teach?” Those especially curious ask both. My answer is consistent: I would like to teach in a secondary school serving…

John B. King Jr., Ed Trust President and CEO and former U.S. Secretary of Education, teamed up with fellow former secretary of education under the Obama administration, Arne Duncan, now managing partner for The Emerson Collective, on an opinion piece for The Hill. The piece examines the Trump administration…

“This is the story of a people, of hopes and dreams, of challenge and change. It is an American story. This story and struggle that started many centuries ago, continues today – with you.” — A Culture of Resistance exhibit, National Civil Rights Museum, Memphis, TN In today’s political climate…

When deciding to increase opportunities and participation in Advanced Placement, schools and districts often respond by eliminating prerequisites and opening access to these courses — so if any student wants to enroll, they can. This is an important first step, but far from enough to promote AP success, especially for students…

WASHINGTON (07/12/17) – Today, John B. King Jr., president and CEO of The Education Trust, issued this statement on the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education FY18 Appropriations Bill. “The bill put forward by the House is exceptionally shortsighted. It will hamper the long-term success of…

This post is a part of an ongoing series, called “Why I Teach Where I Teach,” which asks educators in high-need schools to share what has attracted (and kept) them in the challenging environments they’re in. They share important stories and experiences that should remind us all of…

There’s a raging debate on health care right now. Issues of access, coverage, and cost are dominating newspaper headlines, social media channels, and even sports radio programming. One thing that’s not being discussed enough, however, is the influence of quality public education on health outcomes. Yet research from…

This week marks the 45th anniversary of the creation of the Pell Grant. Sen. Claiborne Pell of Rhode Island championed these grants, using the GI Bill as an inspiration for how to make higher education accessible for all students and particularly for students who might not otherwise go on to…

Among the most important questions to ask to understand whether a state accountability system is designed to promote opportunity and achievement for all groups of students are: Do all groups of students matter in the ratings given to individual schools? How does the state identify schools that need to improve…

When is performance for a group of students so low that it requires attention and action? This is one of the critical questions that states have to answer as they implement the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The law requires states to identify any school that is consistently underperforming for…