While the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) plays a role in workforce development, state policymakers actively seek ways beyond WIOA requirements to connect education with workforce development. As states work to align their workforce needs with appropriate education and training, they frequently do so by identifying…

The population of English learners (ELs) in K-12 schools continues to grow. Between the 2009-10 and 2014-15 school years, the percentage of English learners increased in over half of the states, and in 2017, English learners made up 10.1% of the total student population. Research suggests that in their transition to English, non-native speakers…

Across all 50 states, there are different ways in which states allocate K-12 funding to districts. This document provides information on small size or isolated funding adjustments, including funding mechanism, small size/isolated identifier, and small size/isolated citation. To classify funding mechanisms that appear in state statute or in…

Across all 50 states, there are different ways in which states allocate K-12 and special education funding to districts. Education Commission of the States has collected information on states' primary funding models, base per-student funding amounts, student attendance count methods, and funding for special education, English language learners,…

Across all 50 states, there are different ways in which states allocate K-12 funding to districts. This document provides information on at-risk funding for low-income students by state, including funding mechanism, at-risk identifier, and at-risk citation. To classify funding mechanisms that appear in state statute or in regulations, Education…

Across all 50 states, there are different ways in which states allocate K-12 funding to districts. This document provides information for each state on: at-risk funding for low-income students and funding mechanism, at-risk identifier, at-risk citation, gifted and talented funding and funding mechanism, gifted and talented citation, small size or…

As the United States continues to grow and the composition of its population shifts, expanding opportunity and reducing barriers to education must be a national priority. An essential first step toward greater educational equality is a deeper understanding of the fundamental changes in the demographic composition of the nation. Consider, for…

A growing body of research offers evidence that high-ability students from lower-income families are far less likely than wealthier students to be identified for advanced level course work and opportunities. They are also less likely to achieve at high levels, despite their aptitude. Lacking access to the enriched academic opportunities,…

As our country's need for highly skilled professionals in every field continues to grow, the "2014-2015 State of the States in Gifted Education" report provides a glimpse into a system where many high ability and high-achieving learners must fend for themselves, leaving success to chance. While there are individual areas of progress, the…

Progress monitoring focuses on individualized decision making in general and special education with respect to academic skill development at the elementary grades. Progress monitoring is conducted frequently (at least monthly) and is designed to: (1) Estimate rates of improvement; (2) Identify students who are not demonstrating adequate progress…

It is well-established that language skills are amongst the best predictors of educational success. Consistent with this, findings from a population-based longitudinal study of parents and children in the UK indicate that language development at the age of two years predicts children's performance on entering primary school. Moreover, children who…

The year 2011 was no ordinary year for teacher policy. In fact, it was a year like no other chronicled by the National Council on Teacher Quality's (NCTQ) "State Teacher Policy Yearbook". This fifth annual edition of the Yearbook documents more changes in state teacher policy than NCTQ has seen in any of its previous top-to-bottom reviews of the…

African Americans account for approximately 12.4 percent of the United States population. They also account for approximately 79 percent of the players in the National Basketball Association. On average, African American and Hispanic students are found eligible for special education services at higher rates than their populations would suggest,…

Discusses the legal, professional, and ethical duties of teachers who suspect the maltreatment or neglect of children. Presents statistical evidence that indicates that teachers are not fulfilling their duties with respect to detecting and reporting suspected abuse. Considers the implications for educational policy as it affects teachers. (JS)

School-age children and adolescents in the United States have a lot of discretionary time (6.5 to 8 hours per day). Participating in organized out-of-school time programs and activities is one constructive and safe way that children can spend their free time. These activities can provide supervision, fun, and opportunities to develop new skills…