The Equity Line contains original analyses, commentary, and “on the ground” stories of students, parents, educators, and activists all over the nation striving to improve education. It chronicles our efforts, as well as those of partners and friends who are working toward the shared goal of closing gaps.
What Can States Do to Improve Reading Instruction?
When Tennessee showed no progress on the last results of the National Assessment of Educational Progress and Massachusetts actually declined, both states were …
Why Parents, School Leaders, and Advocates Shouldn’t Underestimate the Power of Statewide Assessments
by Denise ForteOver the last year, students have learned to cope with significant uncertainty and navigated learning in new ways. With the support of committed educators, fam…
“High-Quality Materials”
Most elementary schools teach reading with either a basal reading program, a teacher-developed curriculum, or a balanced literacy program like Fountas & Pi…
How the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Helps Schools Address Unfinished Learning
by Kayla Patrick and Terra WallinTo support America’s most underserved students, many of whom have experienced barriers to high-quality education long before this pandemic, district and school…
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021: A Win for Students and Families
by Reid SetzerThe American Rescue Plan Act is a significant step toward addressing the ongoing economic and health crises triggered by the pandemic, and includes systemic ed…
The Right to Read
The right to be taught how to read is a birthright of all Americans, argues attorney Mark Rosenbaum. And schools have a responsibility to teach them, says read…
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Declares Supports for Kids and Families “Essential”
by Carrie Gillispie and Courtney BolligThe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and families has been seismic. In a society held up almost entirely by the childcare and education sectors, bot…
“School Leaders REALLY Matter”
The education field has long understood that improving class instruction was the key to improving student learning.But for the past two decades, the focus of n…
Why I Teach, Where I Teach: So My Students Have the Opportunity to Define Themselves
by Priscilla ConerlyWe are all aware of the trite — yet true — expression that “education is freedom.” So, how apropos is it that I am an educator at a school called Freedom? Desp…
“Opening a School Building in the Time of Covid”
Schools have come under increasing pressure to reopen their buildings so that students can attend in person again. But those who insist that schools are safe d…
Profile in Education Equity: Cicely Alexander, Lubbock Partnership Network
by Ed TrustCicely Alexander has enjoyed a 25-year career in education and has worn many hats as teacher, principal, mother, and minister. Since 2016, she has been the exe…
The State of Reading in America
Recently the organization representing state education superintendents issued a statement urging their members to make reading instruction a core focus.During …
How Temporary ‘Hold Harmless’ Policies Could Save Schools and Districts
Time to sound the alarm: Millions of students are no longer listed on the rolls of their K-12 public schools, and there is no information as to where they’ve g…
“Managing COVID-19”
Junction City, Kansas (USD 475 Geary County) re-opened school buildings in September after a summer of planning and a myriad of mitigation measures, from closi…
Finding the “Missing Kids”
When schools closed abruptly in March 2020 because of the pandemic, it was reported that 8,000 of Baltimore’s students had not logged into remote schooling. Ro…
12 Questions We Hope Miguel Cardona Will Answer Before Senate Lawmakers
President Joe Biden has nominated Dr. Miguel Cardona, Connecticut education commissioner, to serve as the 12th U.S. Secretary of Education. On February 3, Card…
“Kids Are Still Learning Things”
At University Park Campus School in Worcester, Massachusetts, no one questions that the pandemic has been terrible and the remote school year has been difficul…
5 Things State Leaders Should Do to Ensure the Latest Federal Stimulus Funds for Schools Are Used Equitably
by Terra WallinIn April 2020, I wrote about how states could ensure that federal stimulus funds issued through the CARES Act could be used to advance educational equity in th…
Profiles in Education Equity: Geralde Gabeau, Immigrant Family Services Institute (IFSI-USA)
by Ed TrustGeralde Gabeau is the founder and executive director of Immigrant Family Services Institute (IFSI-USA), which provides targeted academic support and enrichment…
