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.
How the American Rescue Plan Can Transform School Districts. The Time to Act Is Now.
by Terra WallinThe federal government has just made an unprecedented investment in education. The American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act provides almost $125 billion for education, a…
With the American Families Plan, the U.S. Stands on the Precipice of Universal Pre-K
The excitement from early learning advocates about President Biden’s American Families Plan is tangible, and understandably so — the targeted investments to ex…
Profiles in Education Equity – Penny Christian
by Ed TrustA mother of four daughters, Penny Christian has been an educational advocate for almost 20 years. She currently serves as 16th District PTA President in Lexing…
Districts That Succeed
In the final episode of this season of ExtraOrdinary Districts, Tanji Reed Marshall interviews her co-host Karin Chenoweth about Chenoweth’s new book, District…
Family Engagement is Key for Student Success During COVID-19 Recovery and Beyond
“Ms. Alberty, you came to my house!”Whether they were in pre-K or middle school, my students always greeted me at their door with a mix of surprise and delight…
What Have We Heard? What Have We Learned?
In this episode, ExtraOrdinary Districts co-hosts Karin Chenoweth and Tanji Reed Marshall chew over what they heard and what they learned from five previous ep…
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 “Science of Reading”
The last results of the National Assessment of Educational Progress showed no progress and some indicators even declined, meaning few children are reading at a…
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…
