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.
Removing Barriers, Headaches Around Free School Meals
by Kate TrombleWhat if schools could remove the stigma around free meals typically provided to low-income students by instead, handing them out to everyone? That’s exactly wh…
Thanking a Teacher of Teachers
by Marni BrombergIt’s Teacher Appreciation Week, so I’d like to take a minute and acknowledge Janet Callum, a first-grade teacher I met when I was 22 years old. A veteran at th…
Catching Up With ‘It’s Being Done’ Educators
by Karin ChenowethLast week I reconnected with two of the principals I met when I first started writing about high-performing and rapidly improving schools for Ed Trust back in …
Be Sure to #ThankATeacher This Week
by Ed TrustIt’s Teacher Appreciation Week — an important reminder to take a moment and send a thank-you to your friends and colleagues who teach. It’s arguably one of the…
Education Advocates, Prepare for 2015
by Iris Maria ChavezAs I reflect on all the activity that has happened in state legislatures, governor’s offices, school boards, and advocacy organizations across the country this…
UW–Eau Claire Finds ‘Sense of Urgency’ to Improve Grad Rates
by Joseph YeadoThis is the last post in a four-part series exploring how high-performing colleges and universities use data to improve student retention and graduation rates.…
Creating a Culture of Success on Campus
by Kayle BarnesIn fall 2005, at my freshman orientation at the University of Oklahoma with other African American students, a former director for Black Student Life told us t…
‘My Role as the Teacher’
by Karin ChenowethCovington High School, an hour north of Memphis, Tenn., is a high-poverty school and as in many high-poverty schools, some students arrive carrying the burden …
What Teachers Want Out of Their Preparation
by Daria HallAs lawmakers turn their attention to improving teacher preparation, they have access to a wealth of analysis about the quality of prep programs and recommendat…
CA’s Reed Settlement Supports Teachers, Students But Dodges Harder ‘LIFO’ Issue
by Ed TrustA court settlement in California this month represents a victory of sorts for 37 Los Angeles schools that have, for years, suffered from a revolving door of te…
A Much-Needed Occasion for Educators to Reflect, Collaborate
by Sonja Brookins SantelisesAs an educator for more than 23 years, I know — like you do — what it’s like to do the hard work on the ground; to not just observe the problem of deep educati…
Engaging Faculty in Efforts to Improve Grad Rates
by Joseph YeadoThis is the third in a four-part series that explores how high-performing colleges and universities use data to improve student retention and graduation rates.…
A Whirlwind Tour of Award-Winning Schools
by Karin ChenowethLast week I traveled to Pass Christian, Miss., to conduct a webinar with the leaders of the district to talk about the kinds of things that help move a distric…
What Do the SAT Test Specifications Tell Us?
by Christina TheokasThe College Board seems to be following through on its stated desire to make the redesigned SAT test more meaningful and reflective of the knowledge and skills…
Georgia State Shows the Way in Student Success
by Joseph Yeado and Michael DannenbergBelow is the second in a four-part series exploring how high-performing colleges and universities use data to improve student retention and graduation rates. D…
Improving Higher Ed Outcomes Starts With Smart Data
by Joseph YeadoBelow is the first in a four-part series exploring how high-performing colleges and universities use data to improve student retention and graduation rates. De…