This challenge is especially true for Black, Indigenous and other students of color, and students living in low-income communities. From our many collaborations with policymakers, advocates and funders on education strategies and policies, we know these leaders are looking for new tools and approaches to further educational equity. Assessment and accountability systems are areas ripe for improvement and innovation.
We examined state accountability systems, report cards and school improvement efforts.
We worked closely with the Council of Chief State School Officers; the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Walton Family Foundation and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative provided funding.
They highlight disparities in student progress, school conditions, and neighborhood and family circumstances. In doing so, they provide a way to explore the causes of these disparities and can spur action that leads to improved opportunities and outcomes, especially for students from marginalized communities.
Our taxonomy has three categories for student success indicator types: Outcomes, Access and Context.
In early 2022, Education First completed a 50-state landscape scan and survey with state agency leaders to determine the extent to which states were using different student success indicators in their accountability and school improvement systems. Our research found a mixed bag. While most states rely primarily on fulfilling federal requirements in terms of the data they collect, many state leaders expressed strong interest in doing more.
After extensive research, we chose three very different school systems to probe more deeply: Illinois, Indiana, and Tulsa, Oklahoma. We conducted in-person and remote interviews with key stakeholders who contributed to their community’s indicator development in each of these locations. Interviewees included a mix of government leaders and policymakers, community groups and advocates, funders, and district leaders.
We explored what has been accomplished so far, and what has gotten in the way of more widespread use or impact. Leaders in these places were generous in sharing their successes, as well as the challenges and obstacles they are confronting. On this website, we provide case studies for Illinois, Indiana, and Tulsa for those interested in learning more.
Founded in 2006, Education First is a national, mission-driven strategy and policy organization with unique and deep expertise in education improvement. We help education system leaders and policymakers cultivate the conditions—people, knowledge, resources, policies and programs—that ensure equity, coherence and excellence for educators and students. Our clients include the nation’s largest private foundations giving to education; national, state and local nonprofits and networks advocating for better schools; state education agencies; public school districts; and charter management organizations.
